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1962-10-16 Regular CC Minutes,REGULAR MEETING OF THE COONC OF THE CITY OF A[AM2DA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER lb - _ - - - - - 1962 The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President Collischonn presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Godfrey and was followed by an inspiring Invocation delivered by The Reverend Mr, Gerald V. Case, Assistant Pastor of First Presbyterian Church. ROLL CALL: . . The roll was called and Councilmen Godfrey, McCall, Rose, Schacht and President CoIliscbonp, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held October 2, 1962, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: `f 2. From The Reverend Mr. Wilfred H. Hodgkin, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, extending appre- ciation for the Council's attendance at the recent Cornerstone-laying Ceremony of the new edifice and thanks to the various City Departments for their cooperation and help during the construction period and in the arrangements for said Ceremony. The Clerk was asked to acknowledge the Ietter, informing the Rector that the Council was pleased to participate in this memorable event. 3. From R. Borgman Sales Company, signed by Mr. Dnzgoan, requesting permission to stage a fire- works display from the South Shore Beach Area on October 19' beginning at 9:15 o'clock p.m. Adequate public liability insurance will be furnished. Councilman Schacht moved permission be granted to said Company to conduct this display as requested, subject to clearance from the Police and Fire Departments. The motion was seconded by Councilman Godfrey and unanimously carried. 4y From Mr. Fred J. Scullin, Jr., 1120 Chestnut Street, requesting the Council to amend Ordinance No. 1299, New Series, to effect the removal of the Stop Sign on Grand Street at Dayton Avenue, . The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the communication and explain the situation with regard to . the traffic pattern in this area. The matter was then referred to the City Manager for inveacigu- ciou and report. 5. From Mr, J. W. Payton, 333 Willow Street (Franciscan Apartments), concerning the expected erection of carports on the property, which had allegedly been stopped by an ',easement" problem. It was developed that this was a personal matter involving private property and the City had no further interest therein. Therefore, the Clerk was directed to so inform Mr. Payton, � v 6. From Hamblin Realty Co., signed by Mr. W. B. Hamblin, explaining his negotiations and plans in conjunction with the Property Division Map covering Parcel 2D, Lot 2, Block 13, South Shore Unit 1, in an area bounded generally by Otis Drive, Willow Street and Whitehall Place extension, Filed by South Shore Land Co. This matter was the subject of a recommendation from the City Planning Board to be submitted later in the meeting. The communication was, therefore, referred to "Reports" on the agenda. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 7. At this point, the President welcomed the Honorable Leland W. Sweeney, Supervisor, Third Dis- trict, Board of Supervisors of Alameda County, who was a former Mayor of the City of Alameda— Mr. Sweeney submitted an oral report on the expenditures made by the County on the maintenance of Posey Tube from 1954-55 up to the time said operation was taken over by the State about a year and a half ago - in the amount of S1,604,961., of which sum $900,000. was spent on the installation of lights alone. Mr. Sweeney also announced that the Dedication Ceremony for the new Webster Street Tube was to be held on October 30, 1962, beginning at 11:00 o'clock a.m. with a luncheon at The Galleon. The Coun- cil would receive further details later. Mr. Sweeney then referred to the Mayors' Formula with regard to the allocation of Gas Fax Funds to the cities within the County for their street construction projects. He pointed up the fact that since 1954-55 the sum of 30,367,292. had been shared by all of these cities. Of this amount, the City of Alameda had received $654,570. The present allocation was to be $1O5,2l6.85, of which about $13,000. had already been received by the City. Therefore, Mr. Sweeney presented to the Mayor a check in the amount of $92,386.85 representing the balance due. The President expressed his thanks and appreciation to Mr. Sweeney for all of his efforts on behalf of pie citizens of Alameda. Mr. G. N. Pope, 1820 Buy Street, then addressed the Council with reference to the recommendation of the Planning Board concerning the proposed installation of the sidewalk along the access way to the contemplated building to be erected on the lot to be created by the Property Division Map. He F He urged that the Council give this phase of the matter favorable consideration in its delibezation on this question— Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, spoke at length on several matters, as follows: The low spots throughout the City, especially on Webster Street near the Posey Tube, which are flooded during had weather from time to time, He felt the only correction possible was to raise the grade of Webster Street and that other areas should be filled. He also protested again about the control of traffic on Webster Street approaching Posey Tube, during the peak hours in the morning. He felt a Police Officer should be stationed there regularly and handle the flow of traffic more efficiently. He contended the situation is hazardous when an Officer is not on duty because the three lanes of traf- fic have co merge into one prior to entering the Tube and many motorists "chisel" their way into line. . After some discussion, it was agreed that the .City Manager should be asked to forward a directive to the Police Chief to have an Officer stationed at the entrance to Posey Tube every morning to properly alternate the flow of the several lanes of traffic into the Tube. lU.~_ Mr. Donald Maclean, 1106 Grand Street, inquired if the proposed building for the Motor Vehicles Department had been definitely approved for construction on the site as indicated under the Property Division Map. He had the erroneous idea that the relocation of this office into larger quarters would generate substantially increased traffic from areas outside the City. It was explained that the existing office had always served anyone in the vicinity, as well as those actually living in Alameda - and it was felt there would not be any significant inerease in traffic. Further, it was a facility much needed for the convenience of Alamedans, with an additional advantage of a larger parking area and room for expanded services. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, ETCETERA: ]l. From City Manager, recommending contracts be awarded as follows: To American LaFrance, for furnishing a Pumper and Certain Equipment in the total amount of $26,517.92; to American Fire Equip- ment Company for Certain Items, in the sum of $2,103.l8. Further, that the necessary Radio Unit could be purchased more economically in the open market at a cost of $6l8,80 and that all bids for furnishing the Radio Equipment be rejected. Councilman Schacht moved the recommendation be adopted; that contracts be awarded to the designated firms for the specified equipment at the prices quoted; that the City Manager be authorized to pur- chase the Radio Unit in the open market at the cost indicated and all bids for furnishing the Radio Equipment be rejected. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rose and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five, Noes: Nnne, Absent: None. 12.r From City Manager, reporting that the street improvements had been satisfactorily completed at the southeast corner of Buena Vista Avenue and Fifth Street, in conformity with the Agreement between Mr. Charles E. Foster and the City - recommending these improvements, be aceepted and the developer be released from his bond. Councilman. Rose moved the recommendation be approved; that the improvements be accepted and the developer be released from his bond. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 13. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to BZPCO, Inc., low bidder, for the project of Installing a Storm Sewer System on Oak Street from Blanding Avenue to Buena Vista Avenue, at the total cost of $29,950.50. Councilman Schacht moved the reconnnendacion.be adopted and contract be awarded to the designated firm for the specified project at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Godfrey and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. From City Manager, reporting all work on the Eocinal Swim Center satisfactorily completed - recommending it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered filed. Councilman Godfrey moved the recommendation be approved ~ that the work on said project be accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rose and unanimously carried. l5.~ From City Planning Board, signed by Mr. Robert L. Venable, Associate Planning Director and Secre- tary, pro 'tem, submitting its recommendation on the matter of the Property Division Map filed by South Shore Land Co. on Parcel 2D, Lot 2, Block 13, Tract No. 1866, South Shore Unit I, located in the vicinity of Otis Drive, Willow Street and Whitehall Place (extended) and immediately west of South Shore Center. It was recommended that the Map be approved, subject to the installation of a five-foot sidewalk and conventional curb and gutter to be located immediately to the northerly side of the forty- foot accessway easement extending from Willow Street to the boundary of the "C-2~ Zone, and also, compliance with the requirements of the City Engineer. It was stated it was the opinion of the Board that the need for such a sidewalk and curb was in the interest of promoting the public safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare, and more particularly in the interest of protection of pedestrians and drivers of automobiles who are transacting business in the area or passing through. Upon request, Mr. Venable illustrated on a large map the exact location of the parcel in question which would have a frontage of one hundred six feet and a depth of two hundred five fe . Considerable discussion ensued on the recommended installation of the sidewalk, curb and gutter and the ramifications thereof, in view of the fact they would be on private property. Mr. Way, Acting City Attorney, also explained certain aspects of the situation for the Council's information, pointing up the fact that the Council was concerned primarily with the split of the property. The developer has the right to do this, subject to the approval of the Council upon its determination whether or not certain conditions should be attached. Mr. Hamblin, 1880 Jackson Street, San Francisco, developer of the parcel in question for the State Department of Motor Vehicles, was called upon to present his plans for the contemplated construction. He displayed a sketch of the lot and explained the requirements of the State with regard to its struc- tures for this purpose. He stressed the fact that foot traffic is practically nil in the use of such a facility, and that there would be forty parking spaces on the parcel'involved. Following further clarification through a question and answer period, Councilman Godfrey moved the Property Division Map be approved, subject only to the certain provisos made by the City Engineer. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes; Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: ^/ 16. Councilman McCall broached the subject of the bond issue for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District which will be on the ballot for the State Election to be held November 6, 1962. He stated he was opposed to the Rapid Transit System under its present concept of financing because of its effect on many people with fixed incomes who would be faced with the increased taxes. Be felt the public had not been sufficiently informed about this bond issue and the Council should take some action to bring out all facts. Councilman McCall referred to his request of some time ago for a report on all proposed projects of the State, County or Districts to come up within the next few years, which would set forth the estimated cost to the people through increased taxes. Mr. Neil Clark reviewed the memorandum to the City Council dated July 2, 1962, covering financial data and estimates pertinent to the 792 million dollar bond issue for the Rapid Transit System in the three counties of San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa. Following a discussion on the procedure by which some type of public meeting could be held to promul- gate complete facts on this question, it was suggested the City Manager be requested to contact the Alameda Chamber of Commerce to arrange for such a meeting, where representatives of both sides of the issue could present their arguments. It was so ordered. RESOLUTIONS: 17, The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved- its adoption: "Resolution No. 6409 RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA IN MEMORIAM TO LESTER H. BARGAR (STREET DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE). "WITH HEARTFELT SORROW, the Council of the City of Alameda records the death of one of its loyal employees, LESTER H. BARGAR, Sewer Maintenance Leadman in the Public Works Department. "WHEREAS, Mr. Bargar had been employed as a Laborer by the City of Alameda on Decem- ber 16, 1954, and had been working on the job at the time of his unforeseen death; and "WHEREAS, Mr. Bargar had been most conscientious and capable in performing his duties and had been very friendly and cooperative with all of his fellow employees, who have been greatly shocked and saddened by his untimely death. "NOW,_IB8BEFOBE, BE IT RESOLVED that, in recognition of the faithful service rendered by Mr. Bargar and the amicable relations prevailing with all of his associates, the Council of the City of Alameda hereby expresses its sense of appreciation for the efficient work ' of this employee aod.ita feeling of personal loss at his demise. "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be spread in full upon the minutes of this meeting and a copy thereof be sent to the family of-Mr. Bargar in order to extend to its members a sincere expression of condolence in their bereavement, "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that when-this meeting of the Council of the City of Alameda ` adjourns, it shall do so in respect to the memory of LESTER H. BARGAR." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Godfrey and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. Councilman McCall also eulogized Mr. Bargar and spoke of his friendly interest in all of the employee activities, The President then declared said resolution adopted. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 18. sJ0rdivaoce No. 1412, New Series An Ordinance Declassifying and Rezoning Certain Property Within the City of Alameda by Amending Zoning Ordinance No. 1277, New Series." (600, 716-736 Central Avenue, portion of Washington Park Fill, northerly portion of United States Maritime Training Station - R-4 and R-4-G to R-5 and Q-1 Districts). Councilman Godfrey moved tha passage of the ordinance as submitted. The motion was seconded by Coun- cilman Schacht and on roll cull carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman McCall, (l). Absent: None. FILING; 19. Financial Statement - Bureau of Electricity, as of August 31` 1962 - Verified by Backleman � Larzelere. 20. Auditor's Financial Statement - City of Alameda, as of September 30, 1962 - Verified by Hmoklemau & Larzelere. BILLS: . ^ 21. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of $33,672.19, was presented to the Council at this meeting. The List was accompanied by certification from the City Manager that the Claims shown were correct. Councilman. Schacht moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on October 16, 1962, and presented to the City Council at this meeting, he allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rose and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five, Noes: None. Absent: None. 22.v� At this point, Councilman McCall announced that the Committee for the People to People Program had arranged a meeting to be held this Thursday evening, October 18, in the Council Chamber at 8:00 o'clock. An interesting program had been planned concerning our Sister City, Lidingo, Sweden. Also, the Mayor was co make a presentation with regard to the book program for the Philippines. He extended a cordial invitation co all to attend. Councilman McCall also stated a similar program was co be presented at a special meeting before the Conference of the League of California Cities on Sunday afternoon, October 21, 1962, at 2:30 o'clock. Councilman Godfrey complimented Mr. McCall as a private citizen, for all of the work he had done in promoting this Sister City program. Councilman Schacht also commended Mr. McCall for his efforts in this excellent program. ADJOURNMENT: 23. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the President called up the audience and a moment of silence was observed in respect to the memory of L8SI2R H. UAKGAR. The Council then adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Wednesday evening, November 7, 1962, at 7:30 o'clock, due to the State General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 6. Respectfully submitted,