1945-10-02 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
H E L D TUESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 2, - - - - - - - - 1945
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 Presi-
dent Branscheid, (5), were noted present. Absent: None.
MINUTES:
1. The minutes of the regular meeting held September 18, 1945, were approved
as transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2.. From Sheridan Downey, United States Senator, assuring the Council of his
energetic and active support of its recent request for continued operation of
Child Care Centers in the City of Alameda.
President Branscheid explained the steps that had been taken to continue the
Child Care Centers in operation and then ordered the communication filed.
From George P. Miller, Congressman, in connection with the subject of Child
Care Centers, stating the matter was being given every attention.
The communication was ordered filed.
4"( From the 'United States Naval Air Station, in response to a letter written by
the City Manager, concerning complaints received with regard to low - flying aero-
planes in the vicinity of Washington and Longfellow Schools, stating orders had
been given to eliminate this hazard.
The communication was ordered filed.
5. From the State Department of Motor Vehicles, regarding the possibility of
establishing a branch office in the City of Alameda.
Councilman Jones commented that we are apparently making some progress toward pro-
curing a branch office and Mr. McMillan reported that he had a conversation with
Mr. Garland, Director of the State Department, who stated he is asking the Gover-
nor to place the financing of his Department on the call of the Legislature and
that if he gets the required funds, Alameda will have the desired office.
6:7 From Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association inviting the City to par-
ticipate in the Alameda County Fair to be held October 5, to 20, inclusive, and
to designate one day in that period as "Alameda Day."
Councilman Osborn stated that while he felt that "Alameda Day" would be a fine
idea - at the same time, for the Council to declare such a day with the hope of
having the business houses of the City close, would be out of the question. He
recommended that this letter be referred to the Alameda Chamber of Commerce as it
comes under its jurisdiction and this organization would be able to decide as to
whether or not it wants to participate in such a day.
The President stated that if there were no objections, this suggestion would be
followed and the City Clerk was ordered to refer the matter to the Chamber of
Commerce.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
7" The President cordially welcomed the large group of citizens who had gathered
in the Council Chamber and invited anybody who wished to do so, to take the floor
and address the Council.
Mr. Mel. Harvey stated he was appearing on behalf of the commuters living in the
west end of Alameda who, in his opinion, have a very serious transportation prob-
lem. He asked if the Council could enlighten the group as to what the Key System
is prepared to offer in the way of transportation. He stated that while broad
promises had been made concerning the improvement of transportation which would
follow the close of war - no such improvements have been forthcoming and again
stated that the people in the west end of the City desire to know just what they
can expect. He pointed out that all buses arriving at Webster Street bound for
San Francisco are crowded, and for months on end he, and many others, had been
unable to find a seat on any bus which they have taken to San Francisco
President Branscheid stated that the Council has made a very careful and thorough
check and study of this matter and that it is one of serious concern to the City.
He thereupon referred the questions of Mr. Harvey to the City Manager for answer.
Mr. McMillan stated that he has no way of knowing what the Key System is going
to do, but was in a position to relate what it is doing at the present time, as
a result of surveys and studies made of service being given. He outlined the
several surveys made and spoke of the highlights and the findings thereof. He
stated he thought the service in the west end is absolutely impossible, with most
of the people in that end of town being unable to find seats and said he felt
there should be some service provided for the commuters in that area in view of
the fact that the population of the City has moved toward Webster Street.
He pointed out, however, that as a whole, the services in Berkeley, Oakland and
Alameda are comparable, with the exception of the fact that the schedules in the
other cities are a little more closely adhered to. Mr. McMillan stated that the
surveys and studies did not stop with the obtaining of the facts - but that these
facts were in each case presented to the.Key System with the hope of having the
deficiencies remedied. He quoted from some correspondence between his office and
the Key System relative to the company's inability to follow its schedules more
closely.
Mr. McMillan stated that the Tube is now handling some 31,000 cars per day and
the Bay Bridge is handling up to 75,000 and that the traffic on these conveniences
does interfere with the operation of the buses. He stated the Key System is plan-
ning to give us a service and increase the efficiency of its operation by changing
its personnel to people more responsive to it and hoped that this result could be
achieved before too long a time has passed.
Mr. McMillan commented on the plans for the loading zone at the terminal in San
Francisco and observed that in his opinion, the construction of this convenience
to the Alameda commuters would soon be under way.
Mr. Frank Gottstein then addressed the Council on the subject and pointed out the
need for a new Tube, remarking that without such a Tube, better service cannot
very well be expected. He suggested that one way of remedying the present situa-
tion would be to route, the east end buses over the Park. Street Bridge instead of
down through the Tube, with a midtown terminal for the buses going through the
Tube thus giving the west end residents better accommodations. He also reviewed
the County tow -car situation.
At this time President Branscheid thanked Mr. Harvey for his remarks and stated he,
too, felt the west end commuters are being discriminated against in the matter of
transportation. He said, however, that the Council has followed this matter through
continuously and expressed the view that the situation is becoming somewhat better,
pointing out that the Key System has put on a few new buses and that the schedules
are slightly improved.
He stated that in his opinion there must be a big improvement eventually and be-
lieved that with the war over and considerably more buses and personnel becoming
available, this improvement should not be too long delayed. He assured the audi-
ence that the Council will be constantly requesting the Key System to give us our
just share of its transportation facilities.
Mr. Sidney A. Dibble, Manager, Public Relations of the Key System, then addressed
the Council and stated that the Key System entirely subscribes to all that has been
said about service in the west end, admitting that such service, in the language of
the Key System President, is "lousy", but that it is no poorer than the service
elsewhere. He pointed out that in proportion to the number of riders, the Key Sys-
tem has more equipment on the Alameda lines than on most other parts of its operat-
ing territory. He attributed the lack of service principally t� the fact that the
company is 400 operators short of the required number to bring transportation up
to par and stated that in spite of continuous and widespread advertising, it had
been unable to recruit the 400 people needed. He assured the Council that the Key
System is going to give Alameda the best service it is possible to give commensu-
rate with the needs for that service and as quickly as it can possibly be done.
He corroborated Mr. Gottstein's remarks about the traffic in the Tube slowing down
the bus schedules and stated that as to the west end, the lines are going to be
extended in that area just as soon as it can be done. He pointed out that his
company does not have enough coaches in service at the present time to make the
suggested rerouting of buses over Park Street Bridge and stated that the situation
required that the buses run to the end of the line and pick up all the passengers
possible in order to get the maximum efficiency out of the equipment.
Councilman Sweeney inquired as to whether or not the rerouting of buses over Park
Street Bridge from the east end would alleviate conditions in the Tube and Mr.
Dibble stated that this matter had been considered by the Key System. He remarked
that this would constitute a turn -back service which all transit companies avoided
as far as possible when the service on all lines was necessarily curtailed.
Councilman Osborn stated he was recently aboard a bus coming from the east end
which reached Webster Street with about 16 people standing and that when it arrived,
there was a bus standing on Webster. Street just north of Lincoln Avenue which was
only partially filled. The driver of the bus on which he was riding stated that
the standing passengers on that bus could transfer to the other bus - which was
done, with the result that both buses left the junction not entirely filled. He
stated that he felt this would be an ideal way of solving the problem presented
by Mr. Harvey and asked Mr. Dibble if that service has been established or is
going to be, in the west end.
Mr. Dibble stated that he did not know but felt that probably the bus in question
had just come through from the Naval Air Station and on the supervisor's orders
had waited to pick up the overflow on the incoming east -end bus.
Mr. F. G. MacGinnis then voiced the disapproval of the commuters relative to the
long waits at the San Francisco terminal, pointing out they waited periods of
from 20 to 50 minutes, which he claims is detrimental to the health of the com-
muters. He deplored. the custom of the buses standing empty at the terminal, a
hundred feet from the loading point with the drivers smoking and conversing while
the commuters stand waiting an opportunity to get aboard. He inquired as to the
reason for groups of buses - as many as 10 at a time pulling into the terminal at
5:30 P. M. - 5 on the "Ttt and 5 on the "W" lines - and queried why they could not
be spread out, thus giving constant and uninterrupted service. He added some -very
pointed remarks on the lack of courtesy of a great many Key System drivers and the
overloading of buses to the point where the driver is unable to see through his
rear view mirror.
Mr. J. Ray McKinney stated that time and again the buses just simply pass him by
and do not even stop. He has arrived at his station at 7 :00 a. m. oftentimes and
has not been able to get aboard a bus until after 8 :00 a. m. and suggested the
possibility of a turn -back service to alleviate this condition.
Mr. Dibble, answering Mr. MacGinnis' question.regarding the pile up of buses,
stated that these buses had probably come in from the yards direct to the ter-
minal for the sole purpose of expediting the service out of the terminal.
At this point, Mr. McMillan stated that he thought Alameda had been somewhat
negligent in looking ahead to foresee what might happen in the future, bringing
out the fact that the Estuary is to be dredged from the Brooklyn Basin to the
new airport and that when the airport is opened up the bridges across the Estuary
will be constantly closed to traffic and we should now prepare for this eventu-
ality when it comes.
Mr. E. R. Vinson stated that while there had been many, surveys and studies made of
traffic conditions, apparently there had been very little action taken to remedy
the situation. He felt that the passengers on these buses were vitally concerned
and should have some voice in any effort made to clear up the conditions and inti-
mated that the commuters were on the point of organizing a committee to see if
something constructive could not be done toward getting better transportation for
the City.
At this time, Councilman Jones stated that it was very evident that the complain-
ants are principally those in the west end and pointed out, that despite what Mr.
Vinson had to say about the failure of the administration to take any steps toward
improvement of the transportation facilities, the City Manager had devoted much
time and effort in trying to bring about the needed improvements and that the ad
ministration as a whole has worked very closely with the Key System along this
line. He thereupon moved the Council go on record as directing the City Manager
to make a study of the west end situation with the thought of suggesting some
solution to that particular problem in order that the Key System might have some-
thing definite and concrete to consider. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Sweeney.
Mr. MacGinnis requested that the lack of facilities at peak hours in San Francisco
be taken up at the same time. Councilman Jones said he thought this matter had
been the subject of several studies in the past but would be glad to include the
conditions in San Francisco at the peak hours in his motion. Mr. Sweeney agreed
to the amendment.
Councilman Osborn inquired of Mr. Dibble why - if the buses can arrive at the San
Francisco terminal in groups of from 5 to 10 - they cannot be distributed between
4;30 to 4 :45, instead of arriving at one time, pointing out that this would re-
lieve the congestion considerably.
Mr. Dibble stated that when you get into the peak period, you build up heavy loads
which concentrate at one time and that is the only reason all the coaches are
thereat the same time - to handle a lot of people at one time.
The President put the motion which was unanimously carried.
President Branscheid stated to Mr. Vinson that if the west end commuters want to
form a committee on this matter, the Council would be glad to consider this sub-
ject and work with the committee on the problem.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
e From the City Attorney, recommending that he be authorized to execute and
file a Disclaimer in the action entitled, "United States of America, Plaintiff,
vs. 1.5000 acres, more or less, in the City of Alameda, County of Alameda, State
of California; The Regents of the University of California, et al, Defendants.
No. 22606 -S."
The matter was referred to "Resolutions."
9:" The City Manager. reported on the examination of bids for the fur-
nishing of a new Triple Combination Pumping Engine for the Fire Department, in
accordance with Specifications and Provisions No. MS 9 -45 -7, and recommended
that contract be awarded to The Seagrave Corporation, the low bidder,'at its
price of $12,104.22.
Councilman Osborn moved the recommendation of the City Manager be approved; that
contract for furnishing the above piece of equipment be awarded to The Seagrave
Corporation at the price specified and that checks be returned to the unsuccess-
ful bidders. The motion 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.
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 Amending Ordinance No. 673, New Series,
Entitled "An Ordinance Establishing a Retirement,
Pension and Insurance System for Officers and Em-
ployees of the City of Alameda."
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 Amending Section 14 of Ordinance No. 642,
New Series, Entitled "An Ordinance Establishing and
Regulating the Civil Service System of the City of
Alameda," by Amending Sub - Paragraph (b) of Paragraph
(2) of Sub- Section (h) Thereof, and Adding a New
Paragraph to Said Sub - Section (h) to be Known as
Paragraph (4) ."
RESOLUTIONS:
12. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved
its adoption:
"Resolution No. 3229
Providing for the Amount Per Diem for Officers and
Employees of the City of Alameda for Traveling Expenses."
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.
13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved
its adoption:
"Resolution No. 3230
Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Alameda Authorizing the Filing of a Disclaimer."
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 Presi-
dent declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
14. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3231
Authorizing City Manager to Make Application to State
Director of Finance on. Behalf of the City of Alameda
for State Assistance 'in Defraying Cost of Plans for
Reconstruction of Washington Park. (Project No. 47 -7)."
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.
President Branscheid asked the City Manager to explain where the money to be ap-
plied for under the above resolution and similar ones to follow, would come from.
Mr. McMillan stated that this money would come out of a $10,000,000. fund estab-
lished by the State for postwar planning and that it had been made available to
the City of Alameda through the assignment of $20,000. by the County of Alameda,
allocated to the County out of this fund.
15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3232
Authorizing. City Manager to Make Application to State
Director of Finance on Behalf of the City of Alameda
for State Assistance in Defraying Cost of Plans for
Reconstruction of Lincoln Park. (Project No. 47 -8)."
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.
16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3233
Authorizing City Manager to Make Application to State
Director of Finance on Behalf of the City of Alameda
for State Assistance in Defraying Cost of Plans for
Construction of Improvements in Krusi Park. (Project
No. 47 -9)."
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.
17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3234
Authorizing City Manager to Make Application to State
Director of Finance on Behalf of the City of Alameda
for State Assistance in Defraying Cost of Plans for
Reconstruction of McKinley Park. (Project No. 47 -10)."
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 Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3235
Authorizing City Manager to Make Application to State
Director of Finance on Behalf of the City of Alameda
for State Assistance in Defraying Cost of Plans for
Reconstruction of Franklin Park. (Project No. 47 -11)."
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. 3236
Authorizing City Manager to Make Application to State
Director of Finance on Behalf of the City of Alameda.
for State Assistance in defraying Cost of Plans for
Longfellow Park Improvements. (Project No. 47 -12)."
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.
20. -- -The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3237
Authorizing City Manager to Make Application to State
Director of Finance on Behalf of the City of Alameda
for State Assistance in Defraying Cost of Plans for
Improvement of Godfrey Park. (Project No. 47 -13) ."
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.
21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3238
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans
for the Installation of a Storm Water Pumping Plant
at the Foot of Grand Street, 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 Howe, Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and president Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon
the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
22. "Ordinance No. 878,
New Series
An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by
Adding to Article 1, Chapter 2, Title X Thereof, a
New Sub - Section No. 10 -211 (r), and Amending Section
10 -221 of Article 2, Chapter 2, Title X Thereof, and
Adding to Said Article 2, Chapter 2, Title X Thereof,
New Sections Numbered 10 -2211 to 10 -2220, Both Inclusive."
Councilman Jones moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion 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.
FILING:
23. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers & Henry - City of Alameda,
as at August 31, 1945.
24. Financial Statement — Goodell, Byers & Henry - Bureau of Electricity,
as at August 31, 1945.
25. Specifications - No. PW 10 -45 -5 - Installation of Pumping Plant.
26. Contracts - Between City and Kent & Hass for architectural services
in connection with construction of Golf Club House and
Drill Tower.
BILLS:
27. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda - General Departments
was presented to the Council at this meeting in the total amount of $56.40.
Councilman Howe moved the bill as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the
City Clerk on October. 2, 1945, 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 Howe, Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
28. this time, the City Manager requested that the Council pass a minute
order authorizing the City Attorney to have a title search made on the property
to be acquired by the City for the Purpose of straightening out the boundaries
of Krusi Park.
Councilman Osborn thereupon moved the City Attorney be empowered to proceed
with having the proper title search made concerning this property. The motion
was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried.
ADJOURNMENT:
29. There being no further business to be transacted, the Council adjourned to
assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, October 16, 1945, at 8 :00 P. M.
Respectfu -Omitted,
C, ty Clerk