1947-02-04 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY. OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 4, - - -.7 - 1947
The meeting convened at 8:00 P. M. with President Branscheid presiding.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President
Branscheid, (5), were noted present. Absent: None.
MINUTES:
1. The minutes of the regular meeting held January 21, 1947, were approved as
transcribed.
WRITTEN COL,MUNICATIONS:
21;/ From Mr. R. Archinal, 1224 High Street, with regard to changing the name of
"Bank Alley" to something more suitable in view or the new structure being erected
at the Oak Street entrance by the Times-Star Publishl g Co. :dr. Archinal sug-
gested the name of "Times Lane".
Councilman Jones moved that this matter be referred to the Committee of the Whole
for further study. The motion was seconded by Councilman Howe and carried.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
3. Jr. Frank Cottstein addressed the Council, commenting on the news article
concerning the proposed second Bay crossing and urged the Council to be on the
alert to see that nothing is done to alter the plan for locating the eastern
bridgehead in Alameda.
President Branscheid assured Mr. Gottsteifl that every angle in connection with
this item would be taken care of and everything possible would be done to insure
Alameda's direct connection with the 3ridge.
President Branscheid commented briefly on his trip to Sacramento during the day
and of his trip to Washington, with a brief resume of the follow-up on the Tube
matter made in that City.
REPORTS CF COMMITTEES:
4/. Councilman Jones stated that he and Councilman Sweeney had sat in on a meet-
ing of the employees committee handling the Service Award Ceremony, stating that
they were both very much impressed with the plans being formulated and the fine
program that has been arranged for Saturday evening, March 1.
President Branscheid observed that this is an annual affair which all City Em-
ployees look forward to with a great deal of anticipation and he expressed the
hope that those interested will be present.
5V President Branscheid stated that he had hoped to be able to make a report
to the Council concerning his trip to Washington but inasmuch as he had just
arrived home last night and had gone to Sacramento early this morning, he had
not had the time to prepare a detailed report. He stated that he would have
something to announce at a later meeting of the Council.
INTRODUCTION OF CtRDI NAN ES:
6. Councilman Osborn introduced the following ordinance, after which it was
laid over under provision of law and the Charter:
dinance Ho.
New Series
An Ordinance Amending Section 17-362 of the Alameda
Municipal Code Relating to Parking Meter Zones."
The City Manager was asked to explain the purpose of this ordinance. Mr. McMillan
produced the engineer's map showing the parking meter zones established in the
City and explained the boundaries of each zone. He stated that the principal
purpose of the ordinance is to include in the established parkins neter zones
some territory which had not been included in the original ordinance on this
ubject.
Mrs. Elsie Roemer asked if meters are to be installed in the designated areas
or if the meters are to be installed pursuant to resolutions to be adopted later.
Mr. McMillan explained to her that while zones where parking meters may be in-
stalled are established by ordinance, the meters are particularly placed within
the established zones by resolution, pointing, out that while a zone may be es-
tablished, it does riot follow that it will be fully metered.
Mrs. Roemer stated that she felt that meters were needed on Webb Avenue by
reason of the fact that this thoroughfare is badly congested most of the time
by parkers.
Councilman Sweeney agreed with Mrs. Roemer on this point and Councilman Jones
observed that it has always been felt that the proper location of the parking
meters would have to be learned by trial and error and that the Police Department
no doubt will continue Its studies and make recommendations to the Council from
time to time. He suggested, however, that thls matter of ';ebb Avenue be particu-
,
larly called to the attention of the Police Department and offered this as a
recommendation.
President Branscheid stated that the Police Department would be asked to make a
further report on the need for meters in that particular locality.
7. Councilman Sweeney introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid
over under provision of law and the Charter:
0 dinance No.
New Series
An Ordinance Amending Section 17-342 of the Alameda
Municipal Code by Adding Subdivisions (4) and (5)
Thereto."
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
8. The matter of the requested reclassification of certain property owned by
Roberts Enterprises, Inc. was again presentee for hearing on the appeal from the
ruling of the City ?lanning Board. This property is bounded on the north by Cal-
houn Street, on the east by Post Street, en the south by Otis Drive and on the
west by Fountain Street. It is requested that this certain area be rezoned from
the "211 Dwelling District to the "A-1" One-Family Dwellin(7, District -
for the purpose of constructing duplexes.
Councilman Osborn stated that owin7 to the Mayor's inability to go into this sub-
ject by reason cf his absence from the City and the Council's lack of opportunity
to discuss it with him, no conclusion had as yet been reached. lie thereupon moved
that this matter be again postponed to the meeting of the Council to be held Feb-
ruary 18, 1947. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and carried.
LLEW BUSINESS:
9' Jones stated that it would be necessary for him to be absent from
the City and State for the period from February 3, to February 24, 1947, and asked
permission of the Council to so absent himself.
Councilman Howe moved this permission be granted and Councilman Jones be allowed a
leave of absence for the specified time. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Osborn and carried.
RESOLUTIONS:
10. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3474
In 1:emoriam of F. J. Lyon.
"Viith Profound Sorrow, the Council of the City of Alameda
records the death of :,1r. F. J. Lyon, friend and outstanding
citizen of the City.
"NOW THEREFORE, BE -7 RESOLVED, that, in recognition of
Lyon's devoted service as a member of the City's Colf
Commission, the Council of the City of Alameda hereby ex-
presses its sense of personal loss and its deep appreciation
of the fine services so graciously conributed to the City.
As a ",rolf Commission member he gave unreservedly of his time
and effort, and made a friend of everyone with whom he came
in contact.
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread
in full upon the minutes of this meeting of the Council, and
that a copy thereof be transmitted to the family of Mr. Lyon,
, that it may extend to them a sincere expression of sympathy
and condolence.
"Be It Further Resolved, that when this meeting of the
Council shall adjourn, it shall adjourn in respect to the
memory of F. J. Lyon.
In moving the adoption of this resolution, Councilman Osborn delivered a personal
eulogy of Mr. Lyon, stating that he had been his close personal friend for many
years and that he was deeply grieved by his passing.
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Howe and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney
and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the Presi-
dent declared said re oluticn duly adopted and passed.
11. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3475
Transferring :o2,000. from Budget Account 70-b
(lisc. General) to Budget Account 126-a (Po-
lice Automobiles)."
13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Csborn, who moved •
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3477
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Csborn,
Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon
the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
12. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3476
Transferring L1,000. from Budget Acccunt 70-b
(Misc. General) to Budget Account 125-e (Po-
lice Radio Equipment)."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Howe and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and President Branscheid, (o). Thereupon the President declared said
resolution duly adopted and passed.
Rescinding Resolution No. 3276."
McMillan explained that in the original resolution which asked for State assis-
tance in making certain improvements at Buena Vista Avenue and Everett Street, the
amount deemed necessary to perform this work as designated in that resolution had
been proved to be more than will be needed and therefore the resolution is being
rescinded and a new one offered for adoption in its place.
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Howe and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Thereupon the President declared said
resolution duly adopted and passed.
14. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
"Resolution No. 3478
Authorizing City Kanager to Make Application to
State Director of Finance on Behalf of the City
of Alameda for State Assistance in Defraying
Cost of Acquisition of Right-of.41ay for Buena
Vista Avenue Re-Ali _merit at Everett Street
(Project No. 47-A-1 ."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Thereupon the President declared said
resolution duly adopted and passed.
15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who roved
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3479
Establishing a Special Fund of the City of Alameda
to be Known as "Federal Postwar Planning Fund No.
4-P-465. (Storm Drains East of Versailles Avenue).
t
YoMillan explained this and the other ten similar resolutions bearing on this
subject, stating that under a Federal Bill passed last year, certain monies had
been allocated to the cities and counties for postwar planning, pointing out that
if the work planned is performed, it will become necessary to repay this money to
the Federal Government, but without interest.
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Howe and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon
the President declared said resolution duly adopteci and passed.
16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3480
Establishing a Special Fund of the City of Alameda
to be Known as "Federal Postwar Planning Fund No.
4-P-467. (Storm Drains North of Central Avenue and
East of Park Avenue to Versailles Avenue)."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and President 3ranscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon
the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
17. The following resolution was
adoption:
troduced by Councilman,Csborn, who moved its
"Resolution No. 3481
Establishing a Special Fund of the City of Alameda
to be Known as "Federal Postwar Planning Fund No.
4-P-468. (Storm Drains South of Central to
Versailles Avenue)."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon
the President declared said resolution duly adopted and paced.
18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3482
Establishing a Special Fund of the City of Alameda
to be Known as "Federal Postwar Plannincr Fund No.
u -
4-P-469. (Storm Drains North of Central Ave.,
East of Hibbard St., to Park Ave.)"
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, 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 Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3483
Establishin-,, a Special Fund cf the City cf Alameda
to be Known as "Federal Postwar Planning Fund No.
4-P-470. (Storm Drains North of Central Ave.,
East of Hibbard St., to Park Ave.)"
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Howe and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. inereupon
71 1
the President declared said resolution duly adopted and imssed.
20.- The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No, 3484
Establishing a Special Fund cf the City of Alameda
to be Known as "Federal Postwar Planning Fund No.
4-P-471. (Storm Drains South of Lincoln Ave.,
East of Eighth St., to Hibbard St.)"
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, 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 Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3485
Establishing a Special Fund of the City of Alameda
to be Known as "Federal Postwar Planning Fund No.
4-P-472. (Storm Drains North of Lincoln Ave.,
East of Eighth St., to Hibbard St.)"
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Howe and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, 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, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3486
Establishing a Special Fund of the City of Alameda
to be Known as "Federal Postwar Planning Fund No.
4-P-473. (Storm Drains Korth of Atlantic Ave.,
East of Fifth St., to Eighth St.Y "
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney
and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the Presi-
dent declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3487
Establishing a Special Fund of the City of Alameda
to be Known as "Federal Postwar Planning Fund. No.
4-P-473. (Storm Drains South of Atlantic..,Ave.,
East of Fifth St., to Eighth St.)"
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Howe and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, 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. 3488
Establishing a Special Fund of the City of Alameda
to be Known as "Federal Postwar Planning Fund No.
4-P-475. (Storm Drains South of Atlantic_Ave. and
West of Fifth St.)"
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Csborn,
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 Howe, who moved
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3489
Establishing a Special Fund of the City of Alameda
to be Known as "Federal Postwar Planning Fund No.
4-P-476. (Storm Drains North of Atlantic Ave. and
West of Fifth St.)"
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, 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 Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3490
Authorizing Partial Payment to Roberts Enterprises,
a Corporation, in Connection with Improvement of
Garfield Avenue, Etc."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll
call carried by the foliowing vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Csborn
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 Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3491
Endorsing the Application of the Times-Star
Pu'olishing Co. for Perm7t. to Construct an
A. Jv. Radio Broadcasting Station and Urging
Issuance Thereof."
The --/lotion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Howe and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jr,nes, Osborn,
Sweeney and President Branschetd, (5). hoes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon
the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
FILING
28. Auditor's Balance Sheet - Yonth Ending January 31, 1947.
29. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers ' Henry - City of Alameda,
as at December 31, 1946.
30. Financial Statement - Goodell, 3yers & Henry - Bureau of Electricity,
Month cf December, 1246.
BILLS:
31. 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 Council
at this meeting: General Departments, •69.36; Gas Tax No. 1 Fund, ,;12,789.75;
Street Department, ,44,469.89; Broadway Storm Sewer Fund, 152.17.
Councilman Howe moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the
City Clerk on February 4, 1947, and nres,-?nted 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 Howe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney
and Pre ident Branscheid, (5). Noes: Hone. Absent: None.
32". At this point, Pr. McMillan stated he would like to inform the Council concern-
ing the State Highway program now being developed in the State Senate. He proceeded
to outline the legislation now under consideration. He stated that Alameda is not
now on a State Highway but that a bill now in the Senate, as amended, will give the
City gasoline taxes in the amount of 5/8 of a cent instead of the 1/2 cent now being
received and that under the new bill the City will have the right to use the 1/4 cent
for the maintenance of any street in the City - the balance to be used in new con-
struction on streets of major importance. He stated that previous to these amend-
ments none of the money derived from the Gasoline Tax could be used for maintenance.
He stated also that they have in the nroposed legislation, mae provision for the
inclusion on the State Highway System of the road running from the Posey Tube over
to the Oakland Airport. He stated that the new tube will be in the final bill but
a lot of work will have to be done to get the Legislature to accept the placing of
the road through the entire City.
Mr. McMillan stated that Senator Breed and Assemblyman Dickey had been extremely
cooperative and helpful in connection with legislation desired by the City and that
they are keeping a close watch on our interests.
He stated further that all c ities in Alameda County are now working together on a
unified program and that they have done a fine job for the City of Alameda.
33. At this point, Councilman Jones asked the City Manager to explain t o the Coun-
cil the situation on Bay Farm Island as to the Highway that is to connect with the
north end of Doolittle .road, stating that he had heard there has been a hitch in
the construction of the road.
Mr. McMillan stated he knew of no hitch in the construction and that the road is
going to go through. Concerning the opening of Doolittle toad to traffic from
Alameda through to the Oakland Airport, he stated that an effort has been made to
,-,et the road opened immediately but that upon taking it up with the Engineering
Officer at the Oakland Airport, the City was given a flat denial on its request.
He stated that Congressman =Ler had been contacted and asked to take care of this
situation and we have been informed that for security reasons the road cannot be
opened. He stated that Congressman Miller is not satisfied and will make another
effort in this direction.
34. Councilman Sweeney noted the presence of members of the Junior Chamber of Com-
merce and welcomed them, expressing the wish that they would attend the Council
meetings more frequently.
He also noted the presence of a group of high school students and welcomed them.
President 3ranscheid also welcomed the visitors and extended to them a cordial
invitation to attend further meetings of the Council, stating that the Council
is always glad to listen to any problems any citizen or group of citizens wish
to present.
Miss Hopkins, who was in charge of the group of young women attending the
stated these young ladies are from the Congregational Church and that they were slon,
_
interested in their City Government and came down to see how the Council functions.
Councilman Sweeney suggested that probably somebody representing the Junior Cham-
ber of Commerce might wish to say a few words.
Ur. Bill V;adsworth, President of that organization, responded by saying they had
adjourned their meeting early to come over to the Council meeting with the hope
of seeing something unusual.
ADJOURNMENT:
35. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council
adjourned in respect to the memory of -01. J. Lyon, to assemble in regular session
on Tuesday evening, February 18, 1947, at 8:00 F. Y.