1947-09-16 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 16, 1947
The Council convened at 8:00 P. M. with President Branscheid presiding.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid,
(3), were noted present. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
MINUTES:
1. The minutes of the regular meeting held Tuesday evening, September 2, 1947,
were approved as transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2. From the Alameda Woman's Improvement Club, complaining about the offensive
odor apparently coming from the shoreline of the Bay along Central Avenue, between
Fourth and Sixth Streets, and which is noticeable as far as Webster Street. The
request was made that the Council endeaver to rectify this condition.
Following the reading of this letter, President Branscheid suggested that the City
Manager might be able to make a report on the situation. In response, Mr. McMillan
stated that the cause of this condition is that the big fill has been made at the
Naval Air Base and this has made the water in that vicinity quiescent and the only
way it can be remedied is to permit the ocean currents to come in and clean it out.
He stated that studies are being made of this matter at the present time and a re-
port should be forthcoming very shortly.
President Branscheid thereupon referred the matter to the City PTanager for further
investigation and report.
3:/ A letter was presented from Mrs. Aileen Koenig and Mrs. Catherine Ray of 2830
and 2826 Fernside Boulevard, respectively, submitting a petition, signed by many
residents in the neighborhood, protesting against the use of Fernside Boulevard as
a truck route.
President Branscheid requested the City Manager to make a report on this. Mr.
McMillan stated that when the Fruitvale Avenue Bridge was recently repaired, a
sign was put up limiting the load to ten tons across the bridge. Upon taking the
matter up with the United States Engineers, it was found that the sign limiting
the weight of loads on the bridge, had been erroneously posted and it has since
been removed.
Mr. McMillan stated that in view of this fact. trucks can now be rerouted over the
Fruitvale Avenue Bridge. He pointed out, however, that the speed limit of ten
miles per hour over the bridge will be maintained in order that the bridge may be
kept in good repair as long as possible, remarking that excessive speed would
break down the bridge again, resulting in a rumbling noise when crossing the bridge.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
4'. Mr. Frank Gottstein addressed the Council in the matter of the rerouting of
busses on a right turn out of the Tube on 6th Street in Oakland - to Alice Street -
to 4th Street - to Market Street - to eth Street and thence on 8th Street to the
Bridge.
In this discussion, Mr. Gottstein referred to a letter written to the Oakland City
Council a year ago and the reply of the Oakland Council to that letter, in which
the Traffic Engineer for the City of Oakland pointed out that Mr. Gottstein's sug-
gestion was impractical. Mr. Gottstein stated that he has now received a letter
from the Traffic Division of the Oakland Police Department, favoring this plan for
the San Francisco bound busses and stating an effort would be made to work out the
matter with the Key System.
Mr. Gottstein pointed out that he recommended this diversion only for San Francisco
busses and for those busses only during the afternoon peak hours. He further sug-
gested that the Council follow this matter up with the Key System to see that the
proposed rerouting of the busses is carried out.
Councilman Sweeney stated he felt this matter should be followed through.
Councilman Osborn agreed with him and offered the opinion that the City Manager
should correspond with the Oakland City Manager and the Key Sy tem pointing out
our agreement with the plan and urging its immediate adoption.
President Branscheid thereupon referred the matter to the City Manager with the
request that he report back on the results of his correspondence.
5; A petition signed by a number of residents of Clay Street between Pearl Street
and Broadway, protesting the opening up of a portion of the dead end of Clay Street
for the purpose of providing an access by means of a driveway to a lot backing up
to the dead end of Clay Street, was read to the Council at the request of one of the
signers of the petition who was present at the meeting.
President Branscheid stated that the matter had been investigated by the City Mana-
ger who was asked at this point to make a report on the situation. Er. McMillan
stated that he had checked into the matter and was unable to find anyway In which
the City can deny a person the right to construct a driveway off of that street.
He pointed out that the only way in which this could be stopped would be to condemn
the property.
The protestants pointed out that if this driveway is permitted, it will be impossi-
ble for the persons living on the premises immediately to the west of the driveway
to park their cars in front of their own properties inasmuch as this would involve
parking, in front of the proposed driveway and would subject them to arrest for
violation of the Motor Vehicle Act.
The question of trucks being driven in through Clay Street was brought up and Mr.
McMillan pointed out that the City could limit truck weights on the streets and
thus practically prohibit the use of trucks in the neighborhood.
Xir. Searle L. Peterson, the person who contemplates constructing the driveway in
question, was present and stated that in view of the fact that he was confident
he had the right to build the driveway into his property, he did not consult any-
body about it. He pointed out there is plenty of clearance to drive into his lot
and stated that he has not yet started to build the garage or driveway.
Jr. Peterson was asked if he were going to put trucks through there and he stated
he was not. Asked by Mr. McMillan concerning the matter, Mr. Peterson stated he
had voluntarily agreed to set the proposed garage building back 10 feet from the
line up to which he would be permitted to construct it.
At the request of one of the petitioners, Er. McMillan explained the procedure to
be followed in condemning the property and the City Attorney suggested another
remedy, to wit: That all property owners look into the matter to determine whether
or not it constitutes a private nuisance and if it is found to be such a nuisance,
it would be their private affair and they could take such action as their attorney
might suggest to abate the nuisance.
Bringing the discussion to a close, President Branscheid stated that since there
is apparently nothing the Council can do about the matter, no action the Council
might take would in anyway relieve the situation.
OPENING OF BIDS:
6: No bids having been received in response to the call for furnishing one new
1947 Two-door Sedan for the Fire Chief, in accordance with Specifications and
Provisions therefor, No. MS 9-47-17, the City Manager requested authorization to
purchase the automobile in the open market.
Councilman Sweeney moved the City Manager be authorized to buy the car in the open
market. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by
the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid,
(3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
From the City Manager, requesting authorization to dispose of certain scrap
iron now stored at the City Nursery.
Councilman Osborn moved the City Tanager be authorized to sell the scrap iron con-
sisting of old fence pipe railing now stored at the City Nursery. Councilman
Sweeney seconded the motion and it was carried by the following vote. Ayes:
Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (3). Noes: None. Absent:
Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
8: From the City Manager, recommending that he be authorized to dispose of cer-
tain old tire and batteries now stored at both the Corporation Yard and the City
Hall Garage.
Councilman Osborn moved the recommendation of the City Manager be accepted and he
be authorized to sell the specified tires and batteries. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes:
Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (3). Noes: None. Absent:
Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
9. From the City Manager, recommending the rejection of the bid for the cleaning
of the North Side Sewer and proposing the City purchase the necessary equipment to
perform the work and complete the project.
10
Councilman Sweeney moved the recommendation of the City Manager be adopted; that
the bid be rejected and the certified check be returned to the unsuccessful bidder.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the fol-
lowing vote.. Ayes: Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (3).
Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
10 From the City Manager, recommending that A. R. Cranston, Plumbing Inspector,
be allowed to attend the Plumbing Officials' Conference to be held in San Diego,
October 14, 15 and 16, 1947, and that a sum not to exceed ;)100. be appropriated
for his expenses.
Councilman Sweeney moved the recommendation of the City Manager be adopted and Mr.
Cranston be allowed to attend the specified conference and that 400. be granted
for his expenses. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
11. The City Manager requested permission to attend the City Managers Conference
to be held at San Diego on October 5, to 9, 1947, and asked that ,,p125. be appro-
priated for his expenses.
Councilman Osborn moved the request of the City Manager be granted; that he be
allowed to attend the Conference and that 425. be appropriated for his expenses.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the
following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (3).
Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
12/ The City Attorney requested permission to attend the iJational Institute of
Law Officers to be held in Los Angeles, September 29, to October 1, 1947, and
that a sum not to exceed 80. be appropriated to defray his expenses.
Councilman Sweeney moved the request of the City Attorney be granted; that he be
allowed to attend the specified meeting and the sum of °30. be appropriated for
his expenses.
RESOLUTIONS:
13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
'Resolution No. 3608
Transferring $100,000. from the Cash Basis 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 Osborn, Sweeney and Presi-
dent Branscheid, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
14. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3609
Adopting Specifications and Provisions for Furnishing
One (1) 1:L-Ton or 2-Ton Truck and Chassis and One (1Y
8-Cubic Yard (Minimum) Refuse Collector and Disposal
Body, or Said Items Combined, to the City of Alameda,
Calling for Bids and Directing the City Clerk to
Advertise the Same."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and Presi-
dent Branscheid, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3610
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing Eight (8)
New 1947 Two-Door Sedans to the City of Alameda,
Calling for Bids and Directing the City Clerk to
Advertise the Same."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and Presi-
dent Branscheid, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
n Resolution No. 3611
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing One New
1947 Ambulance to the City of Alameda, Calling
for Bids and Directing the City Clerk to Adver-
tise the Same."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and. Presi-
dent Branscheid, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
17. The following resolution
adoption:
introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
"Resolution No. 3612
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing One 1000-
Gallon Triple Combination Pumping Engine with All
Attachments and Equipment to the City of Alameda,
Calling for Bids and Directing the City Clerk to
Advertise the Same."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and Presi-
dent Branscheid, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution. No. 3613
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing New Office
Furniture, Including Counters, Desks, Chairs, Filing
Cabinets, etc., to the City of Alameda (for the
Auditor and Assessor's Office), Calling for Bids
and Directing the City Clerk to Advertise the Same."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and Presi-
dent Branscheid, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
esolution No. 3614
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing One (1)
New 1947 Four-Door Sedan to the City of Alameda
(for the City Manager), Calling for Bids and
Directing the City Clerk to Advertise the Same."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and Presi-
dent Branscheid, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3615
Transferring 44,644. from Capital Outlays Fund
to Krusi Park Extension Fund."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and Presi-
dent Branscheid, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution Nb. 3616
Creating a Special Fund to be Known as "High-
Fernside Widening Fund" and Transferring. Thereto
the Sum of 49,800. from the Capital Outlays Fund."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and Presi-
dent Branscheid, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and. Jones, (2).
Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
V
22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3617
Consent of the City of Alameda to Enter into
Agreement with the State of California for
Expenditure of Money Received Under Claim
Against the Government upon the State High-
ways in the City of Alameda."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and Presi-
dent Branscheid, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
Mr. McMillan explained that when the City did the work necessary to reconstruct
Maitland Drive on Bay Farm Island, a war damage claim was filed with the Federal
Government - which claim has now been approved. The work was paid for out of the
State Highways Fund and this resolution provides that when the money is received
on the war damage claim, it shall be paid back into the State Highways Fund.
FILING:
23. Specifications
24. Specifications
25. Specifications
26. Specifications
27. Specifications
28. Specifications
29. Annual
30. Annual
- No. MS 8-47-15 - For furnishing Refuse Collector
and Disposal Body.
- No. MS 9-47-16 - For furnishing 8 New 1947 Two-
Door Sedans.
- No. MS 9-47-18 - For furnishing 1 New 1947 Ambulance.
- No. WS 9-47-19 - For furnishing One 1000-Gallon
Triple Combination Pumping Engine.
- No. MS 9-47-20 - For furnishing furniture
fixtures for Auditor's Office.
- No. MS 9-47-21 - For furnishing 1 New 1947
Door Sedan for the City Manager.
Financial Report - Goodell, Byers Co. -
Financial Report - Goodell, Byers °r Co. -
Electricity.
and
Four-
City of Alameda.
Bureau of
BILLS:
31. 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 Council at
this meeting: General Departments, 0,697.65; Civil Service Department, :p41.80;
Police Department, 2,471.80; pound Department, '.54.92; Fire Department,
1,230.90; Health Department, '277.63; Street Department, ,2,848.31; Recrea-
tion Department, :610.75; Park Department, ,1,398.35 Golf Course Department,
v856.76; Store Department, p519.86; Social Service Department, q08.49;
Street Improvement Fund, 5,169.29; Gas Tax No. 1 Fund, 0,624.17; Gas Tax
No. 2 Fund, 8,357.62; Webster Street Sewer Fund, 26.78; Bay Farm Island
Sewer Fund, 4,5,424.19; East Bay Municipal Utility District Fund, 91,994.;
Park Street Sewer Fund, 10,597.50; High-Fernside Widening Fund, 9,800. Bay
Farm Island Park and Playground Fund, :,6,207.91; Krusi Park Extension Fund,
140500.
Councilman Osborn moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the
City Clerk on September 16, 1947, and presented to the Council at this time, be
allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and, on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and President
Branscheid, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Anderson and Jones, (2).
ADjOURNMENT:
32. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council
adjourned to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, October 7, 1947,
at 8:00 o'clock.