1947-12-02 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY CF A EEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 2, 1947
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.
mTNUTE':
1. The minutes of the regular meeting held November 18, 1947, were approved as
transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
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2. From Alameda Lions Club, requesting the Council to consider the possibility of
enacting a City ordinance making it obligatory to have every dog vaccinated to pre-
vent rabies.
Councilman Osborn moved the matter be referred to the Health Department for inves-
tigation and report. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and unanimously
carried.
o. A resolution of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce was presented, requesting that
immediate consideration be given by the City Council to the report of Harland Bar-
tholomew and Associates with a view of instituting action toward solving the park-
ing problem and establishing off-street parking lots.
Following the reading of this resolution, President Branscheid remarked that the
Bartholomew Report referred to in the resolution was under study at the present
time and that shortly a public hearing will be held on its adoption. He stated
that in the absence of any objections, the matter would be permitted to lie over
until the hearing has been concluded.
4:' A resolution of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce was presented, requesting the
Council to consider the use of diagonal parking on certain streets, as follows:
Park Street, between Clement and San Jose Avenues; Central Avenue, between Broadway
and Walnut Street; Lincoln Avenue, between Eighth and Sixth Streets.
President Branscheid stated this question of diagonal parking has previously been
the subject of special study by the Council but that it apparently merits further
study and consideration at this time. He thereupon referred the matter to the City
Manager for investigation and report.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Er. Frank Gottstein discussed at length the several matters considered at the
meeting between himself, City Manager McMillan and various City officials of Oakland.
He deplored the fact that while considerable time was spent in talking about these
matters, nothing has been done toward carrying out the suggestions made.
Following his discussion of these matters, Mr. Gottstein took up again the matter
of routing busses emanating from the East end of the City over the Park Street
Bridge, stating that this would provide a shorter and quicker route from Alameda
to San Francisco and that something should certainly be done about it. He invited
a member of the Council to discuss the subject with him.
Councilman Jones accepted Mr. Gottstein's invitation, stating this matter had been
considered many times by the Council in its own meetings and in joint meetings with
officials of the Key System. He stated that at those meetings it was pointed out
that this route was not feasible or practicable from the standpoint of bus operation
Councilman Jones stated that included among the hearings to be held shortly, is one
on transportation on which subject an exhaustive report has been made by Bartholo-
mew and Associates. He remarked that at such hearing the subject of the routing of
the East end busses will be fully considered. Councilman Jones pointed out that
the Council has not been oblivious to the problem, stating that some of the Council-
men had thought of this same routing but also stated that this may not be the feel-
ing now in view of what the transportation engineers have reported.
Councilman Sweeney asked the City Manager concerning the meeting in Oakland and
inquired as to whether or not he had received any report on what the officials of
the City of Oakland intended to do about the matters suggested by Mr. Gottstein,
particularly with reference to the right turn on 6th Street out of the Tube.
Mr. McMillan replied that the matter had been referred to the County and is now in
its hands for study, stating that it had made a test with a Key System bus and had
determined that it would be necessary to cut off a portion of the superstructure of
the Tube in order to enable the bus to make the turn into 6th Street. He stated
that as to left-hand turns by busses out of Harrison Street, the City of Oakland
claims it has had no opportunity to do anything about this matter because of the
congested condition of its transportation committee's calendar in its dealings
with the Key System.
REPORTS OF
COMMITTEES:
6. From the City Planning Board, recommending the reclassification of that cer-
tain property known as Lot 10, Block 82, Stratton Survey - located on the south
side of Jackson Street, beginning 100 feet west of Fountain Street - from the "A"
to the "A-1" One-Family Dwelling District for the purpose of constructing a duplex.
Councilman Sweeney moved the recommendation of the City Planning Board be accepted
and the lot in question be rezoned accordingly. The motion was seconded by Coun-
cilman Osborn and unanimously carried. The matter was then referred to "Ordinances
for Introduction."
7. The City Manager reported on t he recent decision of the Public Utilities Com-
mission of the State of California in the matter of the application of the Key
System for increased rates and a change in the type of tickets. He stated that
together with himself, several officials of the nity had appeared before the Com-
mission and submitted evidence as to the cost of transportation to our commuters
under the proposed rates and asked that no increase in fares be granted until such
time as the service to the City of Alameda can be considered adequate.
He particularly commended the transportation committee which was represented at
the hearing by Messrs. Patterson, Barnard and Sinclair, all of whom were very
helpful in presenting pertinent matters to the Commission.
Mr. McMillan pointed out that while the decision grants the Key System an increase
in rates, as was to be expected, it does keep alive the commutation books as re-
quested by this City and also requires that the Key System shall immediately set
up a plan for the betterment of its bus service throughout the area served by it
and thereafter make monthly reports to the Commission on its progress in carrying
out the plan.
He suggested the Council make an order as to what the City's action should be on
this particular decision and also to consider what type of presentation the Council
wishes to have made before the Commission on the question of the abandonment by the
Key System of certain street-car lines and the substitution of busses therefor.
Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager be instructed to make representations to
the Public Utilities Commission concerning the transportation conditions we would
like to have maintained by the Key System in the improvement of its service to the
City of Alameda and also protest against the substitution of busses for presently
operated street-cars so long as the bus service to the City of Alameda continues
to be inadequate. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously
carried.
Councilman Jones suggested that as the transportation committee is meeting next
Thursday, it should probably be advised of the action taken by the Council and
recommended that it be sent copies of any correspondence sent out by the City
Manager on this matter.
8:( President Branscheid commented on the street decorations in the City, stating
that in his opinion they are outstanding and represent a very fine contribution to
the seasonal spirit. He extended congratulations to the Chamber of Commerce for
its accomplishments in this respect.
Councilman Osborn concurred with the Mayor in this matter, stating that in his
opinion the decorations are the best the City has ever had.
9. President Branscheid asked the City Engineer about the burning of leaves in
the gutters of the City, inquiring as to whether or not this practice is detri-
mental to the streets.
City Engineer Froerer replied that such fires are not permitted under the City
ordinance and that while they are probably tolerated to some extent, the enforce-
ment of this ordinance is in the hands of the Fire Department. He stated that the
City now has in operation a vacuum machine and two sweepers to take care of the
leaves and there is no reason for anybody burning leaves in the gutters. He pointed
out that a large enough fire would affect the asphaltic concrete surface of the
streets and that such fires should be kept down to the absolute minimum.
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10. The City Manager stated that he thought it would be to the advantage of the
City to dispose of the old Buick ambulance which was wrecked several months ago
inasmuch as this has now been replaced by a new one.
Councilman Sweeney moved the recommendation of the City Manager be followed and
the old ambulance be disposed of. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn
and unanimously carried.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
11. Councilman Sweeney introduced the following ordinance, after which it was
laid over under provision of law and the Charter:
"Ordinance No.
New Series
An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding Section
41 to Ordinance No. 725, New Series."
NEW BUSINESS:
12' Jones introduced the subject of the celebration of the Centennial
of California by the City of Alameda in the year 1948 and offered the opinion that
if the City is to plan such a celebration, a Mayor's Committee to get the matter
underway should be established immediately. He suggested that Councilman Sweeney
would be the appropriate person to head up such a committee and recommended his
appointment by the Mayor.
President Branscheid queried as tohow large a committee it was felt should be ap-
pointed and Councilman Jones stated it was his opinion that the committee to be
finally responsible for the handling of the celebration should be organized in the
same manner as the Flag Day Committees have been formed in the past several years.
He stated that he felt this committee should be established before the beginning of
the new year in order that all the talent and ability in the City might be rounded
up and suggested that Councilman Osborn and himself be pressed into service as co-
chairmen of the committee, as this will be a very broad plan and involve a great
deal of detail work.
Councilman Sweeney stated that as far as the Centennial goes, he has looked into
the matter very thoroughly and feels that the holding of such a celebration in
connection with our annual Flag Day observance would be a most fortuitous grouping
of celebrations. He stated he also felt that Councilmen Osborn and Jones would be
of great assistance to any committee which was organized.
Following some further discussion of the matter during which it was indicated by
Councilman Jones that the committee he had in mind would be the Mayor's Committee,
he moved the Mayor's Committee be appointed or established to evolve tentative plans
for the formation of the general committee and that Councilman Sweeney be named as
Chairman of the Yayor's Committee. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson
1 and unanimously carried.
President Branscheid thereupon appointed Councilman Sweeney as Chairman and Council-
men Osborn and Jones as co-chairmen of the Mayor's Committee for the Alameda Cen-
tennial celebration.
RESOLUTIONS:
13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3654
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing One (1)
New 1947 or 1948 Coupe to the City of Alameda
(For City Engineer), Calling for Bids and
Directing the City Clerk to Advertise Same."
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
President Branscheid declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
14. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman. Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3655
Adopting Specifications for Operating Refreshment
Concession in Washington Park, Lincoln Park and
Krusi Park for the Period Commencing January 1,
1948, and Ending December 31, 1949, Calling for
Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same."
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
President Branscheid declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3656
Transferring ;;613.75 from Contingent Fund 70-b
to Treasurer and Tax Collector's Department
Capital Account No. 148-b."
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.
16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3657
Transferring c363.75 from Contingent Fund 70-b
to Building Department Capital Account No. 140-b."
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.
17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3658
Fixing Time of Payment of Salaries and Compensation."
The notion 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.
FILING:
18. Specifications - No. MS 12-47-27 - Coupe for City Engineer.
19. Specifications - No. MS 12-47-28 - Concessions in Washington, Lincoln
and Krusi Parks for period ending December 31, 1949.
20. Auditor's Balance Sheet - Month ending November 30, 1947.
21. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers & Co. - City of Alameda, as at
October 31, 1947.
BILLS:
22. An itemized List of Claims against some of the funds of the City, in the total
amounts as follows, was presented to the Council at this meeting: Bay Farm Island
Sewer Fund, c7,803.47; Webster Street Storm Sewer Fund, 8,161.49; Gas Tax
No. 1 Fund, ,31,687.67; Gas Tax No. 2 Fund, 530.77.
Councilman Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the
City Clerk on December 2, 1947, and presented to the Council at this time, be al-
lowed and paid. 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.
ADJOURNMENT:
23. President Branscheid stated that inasmuch as a public hearing on the adoption
of the Master Plan of Shoreline Development has been set for Tuesday, December 9,
1947, this meeting would be adjourned to assemble in adjourned regular session at
8:00 P. M., Tuesday, December 9.
Councilman Jones suggested that it be thoroughly understood that the meeting of
December 9, is to be held specifically for the purpose of conducting the hearing
on the shoreline plan and that extraneous matters are not to be introduced at
that time.
Respectful bmitted,