Loading...
1947-04-01 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, APRIL 1, . 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 meetin held March 18, 1947, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2; From the Alameda Municipal Civil Service Employees' Association, expressing its thanks and sincere appreciation to the City Council for the Service Award Program and Dance, held March 1, 1947. President Branscheid expressed the appreciation of the Council for this letter and stated that it had been a pleasure to make possible and take part in the program. The communication was thereupon ordered filed. 3. From the City of Oakland, outlining the steps taken to remedy the condition of the waters in the Estuary and San Leandro Bay. Following the reading of this letter, City Manager McMillan commented on the situation, stating that the City of Alameda had asked the City of Oakland to have the canneries take care of the tomato refuse and this letter was in response to that request. Mr. McMillan stated that the steps outlined in the letter should help the situation materially but that it cannot be cleared up entirely from the Oakland side inasmuch as the City of Alameda itself is contributing to this condition. The communication was thereupon ordered filed. 4. From Mr. Robert B. Baldridge, 2802 Webster Street, Berkeley, requesting per- mission to place advertising benches at various bus stops throughout the City. The communication was referred to the City Manager for investigation and report. HEARINGS: Mr. Phillip Solon, Attorney at Law, presented a petition signed by many resident of Bay Farm Island, requesting the Council to take all necessary steps by way of condemnation and other proceedings, to install on Bay Farm Island a complete system of drains and sewers. Mr. Solon commented on the petition, stating that the signers thereof were present at this meeting - some 150 people - and that they were not de- manding this improvement or making threats, but were simply requesting the Council to carry to conclusion a long contemplated plan. Mr. Solon called on Mr. Harry Brown, President and Mr. J. W. Hamilton, Secretary, of the Bay Farm Island Improvement League, to address the Council concerning condi- tions obtaining on the Island in connection with the lack of proper sewage facili- ties Mr. Fred Miller also addressed the Council, stating that if the main drain line on Bay Farm Island were pumped out more frequestly that it is, the situation would be somewhat relieved. President Branscheid stated that the Council is horoughly conversant with the sewage problem on Bay Farm Island and recognizes that it needs to be rectified. He requested the City Manager to outline the progress being made toward correcting the situation. Mr. McMillan stated the City had asked for and obtained from the Federal Government a loan of 417,000. for the purpose of making a complete study of the sewer system on Bay Farm Island and that the plans for such a system have now been completed and drawn and have been approved. He stated that the 'Ninety Million Dollar Act" of the State had set up certain funds and that of this amount, Alameda had received 350,000. to be matched for sewer purposes. He pointed out that the main line sewer across Bay Farm Island will cost 4210,000., half of which amount will be put up by the State, the other half being furnished by the City. Mr. McMillan stated that the City had been held up in the matter of obtaining rights-of-way over certain properties near the Golf Course and that it had been 4 7 suggested that bids be called for at the next meeting of the Council for the installation of the line along Maitland Drive and the extension of Beach Road and that following this, the main lines can be started. It was pointed out that it will be necessary for the people who will be affected to get their laterals to their homes and to the center of the street. Mr. McMillan stated that this would be a separate job and that it would result in a direct assessment against the individual property owners. He suggested that the Improve- ment League of the Island start working out with their attorney the best possible type of bond issue to be used on this job. He further stated that condemnations will soon be under way for the necessary sewer easements. Mr. Solon thanked the Council for the opportunity of placing this matter before it and for the report on progress and the encouragement it gives his clients. President Branscheid stated that the Council is very glad to see such an outstand- ing representation of residents of this particular problem inasmuch as it has been a matter of great concern to the City for many years and that now, through State Aid and other assistance, it has become possible to go ahead with the work. He expressed his pleasure at the formation of a League to cooperate with the City in the completion of the project and stated that it was the hope of the Council that the Bay Farm Island sewer system might be completed before another wet season sets in. OPENINO OF BIDS: 6: Bids were presented and read for the project of constructing a sanitary sewer in Encinal Avenue between Grove Street and Versailles Avenue, in accordance with Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans therefor, No. PW 3-47-1, as follows: From J. Guelld - - - - - - - ----- ---- - ya,528.50 Accompanied by a check in the amount of ------- 153.00 From M. Perry 1,830.00 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - 183.00 From Manuel Enos 1,671.00 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - 168.00 From M. J. McGuire ?c Y. Hester ------------- 1,856.80 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - 250.00 The bids were referred to the City Manager and City Engineer for their study and recommendation. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 7. 'Prom, the City Engineer, recommending that the Pitchometer Propeller Co. be granted a permit for the relocation of a spur track on Blanding Avenue. Councilman Sweeney moved the recommendation of the City Engineer in this matter be followed and that the requested permit be granted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and carried. SY From the City Manager, recommending that acceptance be made of work performed in connection with the project of constructing the storm drain sewer on Broadway, in accordance with Plans and Special Provisions therefor, No. PW 8-46-6, and that Notice of Completion be ordered filed. Councilman Osborn moved the recommendation of the City Manager be followed and that the work be accepted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and carried. From the City Manager, recommending that he be authorized to dispose of one old blue-printer and developer in the Engineering Department and use the amount received therefrom to apply on the purchase of new model equipment. Councilman Jones moved the City Manager be authorized to make the sale of the obsolete equipment and apply the proceeds against the cost of the new. The motion 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. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 10. Councilman Osborn introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: [ [ "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Repealing Subsection (5) of Section 17-442, of Article 4, Chapter 4, Title XVII, of the Alameda Municipal Code and Adding Thereto Subsections (5), (7), (8), (9), (10) and (11)." UNFINISHED BUSINESS: v/ 11. President Branscheid called up the matter of the lighting of Krusi Park for night football. 11r. A. Kimbrough, representing Sigma Alpha, asked that the Council's report on this situation be given prior to any remarks by himself or his colleagues. President Branscheid stated that the facts of this matter are such that the Council feels it is not in a position to make a definite decision at this time, pointing out that, in view of the many things which might happen within a very short period of time, it is the Council's belief that it would be the part of wisdom to carry this matter over further. Councilman Jones stated there were a great many people interested in this matter present at the meeting tonight and that they would no doubt like to know why the Council has reached the conclusion it has. He stated that he thought it would be entirely proper for these people to hear what the City Manager has to report and that they should be in possession of the facts which confront the City Council in reaching its decision. He thereupon asked that the City Manager be requested to review the situation from the beginning so that everyone might know the reason for the City's position in the matter. Mr. McMillan went over the entire situation, reviewing football playing conditions in the City during the past twenty years; the building of Krusi field; the acquisi- tion of temporary bleachers thereon and outlined in detail the reasons why it does not seem wise to proceed with the lighting of the field at this time. He stated that as to the lights, it had been found that they could be installed at a certain figure but that in order to be effective, it would be necessary to install them in the city streets which might prove highly objectionable to the promoters of a subdivision which is to be opened nearby in the very near future and which might result in a request that the lights be removed from the streets. Commenting further on the necessity of placing the lights in the street, Mr. McMillan stated that while it would be possible to put the lights out in front of the bleachers, this idea was discarded as imposing too great a hazard upon the players using the field, for the reason that no one wanted to assume the responsibility of placing the lights out in front because of this hazard. He also pointed out that the park property is not sufficiently large at the present time to accommodate a standard football field. Mr. McMillan pointed out that the estimated cost of installing lights would run from 46,800. to '12,000.; depending upon the type of poles and fixtures used and that the moving cost to take down and replace the poles would be in the neighborhood of 2,500. He also pointed out that at the best, Krusi Park could be considered nothing more than a temporary field for football and that for this reason, he seriously ques- tioned the wisdom of expending that amount of money for this purpose. Councilman Jones remarked that at the present time, Krusi field is used only during the day time and that it has a seating capacity of approximately 3,600 with an average attendance at football games of 5,000. He observed further, that there is not sufficient room on the field to add more than several hundred seats. He stated that if lights were placed on the field, the attendance would be increased and if it were increased beyond the capacity of the park, it might result in a catastrophe due to the overloading of the seating capacity and pointed out that this is a very seri ous matter which merits most careful consideration. Mr. McMillan commented further on the matter of the bleachers remaining at Camp Shoe maker, stating that Mr. Deasy of the Navy Department, had been contacted and that the bleachers had been thoroughly inspected and gone over. He stated that while the bleachers are very good they are of a permanent character and could be erected only on a permanent site. Councilman Sweeney stated he would like to be on record as favoring night football but that he has been informed that Krusi Park is not large enough for it as it exists today. At this point, the representatives of Sigma Alpha took over to expound their views which are a matter of record with the Council in previous meetings. Messrs. Kimbrough, Parkinson, Logan and Peters addressed the Council on the matter of the over-all picture, the historical background of football; the acquisition of additional bleachers and the financing, respectively. Mr. William Wadsworth, a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, stated that at a meeting held earlier in the evening, the Junior Chamber had by resolution heartily endorsed the Sigma Alpha plan for night lighting in Krusi Park. At this time, Mr. Kimbrough filed several letters of endorsement of the plan to light Krusi Park. Mr. Frank Gottstein addressed the Council in support of the request for lights in Krusi Park, stating that from his viewpoint, it would be a very good investment 1 for the City as a matter of youth conservation. Mr. Gott t in also spoke on the criminal activities of the people in the housing projects of the City. President Branscheid stated that it was his feeling that the matter had been fully presented and that while the Council was not prepared to make a decision, it will give the subject careful consideration. Hobert Baronian, President of the Alameda High School Student Body, expressed the thanks of Alameda High School for the many kindnesses shown them by the Council and Mr. McMillan pointed out to the audience that Mr. Baronian is largely responsi-- ble for the interest taken by the high school students in the matter of keeping Park Street clean. Mr. E. S. Agnew, at this point, stated that he did not wish to make any speech on the matter but simply wanted to ask a question, "What the hell are you going to do about it?" President Branscheid stated that would be a hard one to answer; that the Council has told everybody interested that the matter is not dead; that It is still under consideration and stated further, that if there is going to be an attempt to force the issue, there is only one answer to be given. Councilman Jones stated the Council could not enter into any definite commitment tonight for the reason that the City does not yet own the land and that the Coun- cil could not appropriate money to put lights on property not owned by the City. Councilman Jones thereupon moved the matter be laid on the table until the first meeting of the Council in July. The motion was seconded by Councilman Howe. Speaking on the motion, Councilman Sweeney suggested the Council might be in pos- session of information which would warrant its going ahead with the proposition before July, and Councilman Jones assured him the matter could be taken from the table at any time by a majority vote of the Council. President Branscheid put the question and the motion was carried unanimously. Councilman Jones moved the City Manager be authorized and instructed to prepare specifications and call for bids for the lighting facilities that will be re- quired for the illumination of a football field. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and carried. At this point, Mr. Peters who had previously spoken on the matter of financing the field lights, stated that his group was not asking the Council to put lights in the streets but on the property now owned by the City, whether the poles had to go in front of the bleachers or elsewhere on the field. President Branscheid replied that this matter had been thoroughly gone into and that while the Council is prepared to deal with Mr. Peters and his colleagues, it is not going to be placed in the position of having them tell the Council what it shall do. Councilman Osborn stated he wanted to go on record as being heartily in favor of affording the opportunity where it is possible of playing night football in Ala- meda, stating that if the installation of lights is practicable and feasible, he is for it, but that he would not take any action to install lights at this time, or until such time as he is confident the City is acting within its legal rights and that it is the practicable thing to do. NEW BUSINESS: 121 President Branscheid directed attention to the fact that the County has under- taken the work of cleaning up Posey Tube and giving it a coat of paint, stating that this will be of great benefit to persons using the Tube and suggesting that the Board of Supervisors be commended for Its interest in this matter. Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager be requested to write a letter to the Board of Supervisors of Alameda County thanking it on behalf of the City for under- taking this work. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and carried. 13. The President introduced the subject of the loose planking on Fruitvale Avenue Bridge, stating that in spite of the fact that this matter has been called to the attention of the United States Army Engineer on two previous occasions, nothing has been done about it, and suggested that it might be well to again call this matter to the attention of the proper authorities. Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager be requested to write to the United Army Engineer, complaining about the condition of this bridge. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and carried. RESOLUTIONS: 14. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved its adoption; A 9 "Resolution No. 3510 Changing the Name of "Bank Street" to "Times Way". The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4). Noes None. Absent: None. Not Voting: Councilman Osborn, (1). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: 'Resolution No. 3511 Transferring 00,000. from the Cash Basis Fund to the General Fund." 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. 16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3512 Transferring 417,000• from Gas Tax No. 1 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 Howe, 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 Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3513 Transferrin 15,500. from Gas Tax No. 2 Fund to the General Fund." 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. 18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3514 A Resolution Accepting the Surrender of and Canceling a Lease between City of Alameda and Alaska Packers Association, a Corporation, Dated February 5, 1920, and the Renewal Thereof Dated December 30, 1944." 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 President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: 'Resolution No. 3515 Authorizing City Manager to Make Application to Hospital Service of California (Blue Cross Plan) for Group Hospital, Surgical and Medical Care Insurance Covering the Employees of the City of Alameda and Their Dependents, and Authorizing the Auditor to Make Payroll Deductions for Premiums." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Howe and enroll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Woes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. ORITNANaES FOR PASSAGE: 20. Ordinance No. 914, New Series An Ordinance Repealing Section 13-316 of Title XIII, Chapter 3, Article 1, of the Alameda Municipal Code." Councilman Howe moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Loos: None. Absent: 21. "Ordinance No. 915, New Series An Ordinance Repealing Section 17-344 of Article 4, Chapter 3, Title XVLI, of the Alameda Municipal Code; Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding to Article 4, Chapter 3, Title XVII, a New Section Num- bered 17-344, Relating to Twenty--Four Minute Parking." Councilman Sweeney moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Coun- cilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes None. Absent: None. PILLNG: 2, Financial Statement Goodell, Byers & Henry - City of Alameda, as at February 28, 1947. 23, Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers ' Henry - Bureau of Electricity, Month of February, 1947. 24. Auditor's Balance Sheet - Month of March, 1947. BILLS: 25. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and several departments thereof in the total amounts as follows, was presented to the Council at this meet- ing: General Departments, 042.08; Street Department, 41,566.72; Park Depart- ment, 1,320.; Broadway Storm Drain Fund, ,;,754.34. Councilman Howe moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on April 1, 1947, 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 flowe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 26. At this point, Councilman Jones stated that "inasmuch as this is Councilman Howe's last meeting as a member of the Council, I want to say that it has been a great pleasure to have been associated with Ir. Howe for the past five years, dur- ing which time he has given unselfishly of his time to the City and has given the Council the benefit of his counsel and advice on difficult matters throughout the war period. It has been a privilege to work with him and the City of Alameda must feel that Wr. Howe has given it a splendid period of service in the Council as well as on various City Boards". Councilman Sweeney stated that he wished to endorse everything that Councilman Jones had said and Councilman Osborn stated he also wished to corrobate all that Council- man Jones has said and through the President to assure Mr. Howe that his association with him has been most pleasant and that he is going to miss him. President Branscheid stated that the remarks of the other Councilmen had left very little for him to say - but that he concurred in everything that had been said. Councilman Howe thanked the members of the Council for their kind expressions. 27' Branscheid stated that he had an appointment to make concerning the observance of Flag Day and stated that in past years the City has had a Chairman and Co-Chairman who have done an outstanding job on this event and that without consulting them in the matter, he was going to reappoint them. He thereupon appointed Oounpilmen Jones and Sweeney as Co-Chairmen to take charge of the Flag Day Committee, Mr. UcMillan stated that certain Assembly bills vital to Alameda and dealing with the matter of roads and highways would come on for hearing before the Conservation Committee at Sacramento, tomorrow afternoon at 300 o'clock. He stated that the City would be represented by a delegation and various other communities about the Bay area would be present at the hearing. 28. 1:;r. E. R. Sanford, Commissioner of the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda, stated that he wished to take exception to Mr. Gottstein's remarks concerning the criminal activities in the Housing Projects in the City, pointing out that the Housing Projects embrace some 20,000 people and 5,000 apartments and that it was his belief that the crime ratio in the Housing Projects compares favorably with that of the average city of 20,000 people. ADJOURNMENT: 29. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, April 15, 1947, at 8:00 o'clock. Respect Respecu itted, y Clerk