Loading...
1960-02-02 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF TEE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 2, 1960 The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President McCall presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Freeman and was followed by a most inspir- ing Invocation delivered by The Reverend Mr. C. Edgar Manherz, Pastor of First Methodist Church. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Collischonn, Freeman, Petersen, Schacht,and President McCall, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held January 19, 1960, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2. From the Port of Oakland, Board of Port Commissioners, signed by Mr. Don W. Martin, Manager, Metropolitan Oakland International Airport, concerning the required clear zones" in the air above properties at the ends of airport runways - and the proposed acquisition of air easements to guarantee certain building-height limitations. The communication was referred to the City Attorney for the preparation of any report or agreement which might be necessary. SI. From Mr. Albert H. Ainslow, Chairman of the Youth Activities Committee, tender- ing his resignation as a member of said Committee - and submitting a summary of a Youth Work Program developed by the Committee. Councilman Freeman expressed thanks to Mr. Ainslow for the time he has given to the Committee and stated it was with regret that she moved the acceptance of his resigna- tion. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. From Youth Activities Committee, signed by Mrs. William B. Saylor, Jr., Secre- tary, notifying the Council that Mrs. J. Benton Coffman is now the Chairman and Mr. Warner F. Croll now the Vice-Chairman of this group. The information was noted and the communication ordered filed. From Youth Activities Committee, signed by Mrs. Saylor, Secretary, submitting for Council consideration copies of the proposed Bylaws of the Committee. Councilman Collischonn stated he was not in full accord with the provisions of the Bylaws as drafted and submitted to the Council and suggested that, at this time, the document be turned over to the City Manager for review and report to the Council at the next meeting. It was also felt the members of the Council should study the proposed Bylaws and be prepared to submit suggestions if they so desire. Mr. Annibale suggested a conference be held between Mrs. Coffman, present Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Weller and himself, in order that the thinking of the respective parties can be presented to the Council. 61 From Feather River Project Association, signed by Mr. Henry D. Greene, Executive Manager, expressing hope the City will contribute financial support and active parti- cipation in policy formulation programs of the Association. There being no objections, the communication was referred to the Alameda Chamber of Commerce. It was also requested the City Manager procure more information concerning the Association itself and submit it to the Councilmen. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: V 7. Mr. Arthur Smith, 1a17 Everett Street, spoke of a certain Planning Board action taken last November to have certain barriers erected along the line of the property at 1)19 Everett Street to protect his house. He said these barriers have still not been installed and he noted in today's newspaper that the Board had informally agreed to allow the installation of another type barrier, provided it was carried out within thirty days. Mr. Smith objected to the delay and said he felt the Council should force the party in question to put up proper barriers. Mr. Annibale suggested Mr. Smith call at his office to discuss the details of this situation and he would then be more fully informed and be able to take up the ques- tion with the departments involved. 8. Mrs. Ella May Waterbury, 338 Beach Road, referred to the Port of Oakland letter and stated she had no objection to granting the required air easements. However, she inquired if, after surrendering her air rights, she would then have no right to protest against low-flying planes. 163 Mr. Annibale assured Mrs. Waterbury she would have the right to protest if the terms of the easement were violated. Mr. Weller also explained that, according to his under- standing, the easements sought relate to restrictions on the property owners in build- ing on the properties which, he felt, would not prevent them from lodging any kind of complaint. 9. v/ At this time, President McCall asked that the meeting be referred back to "Writ- ten Communications". He then stated he had received a letter addressed to him at his home, from Mr. Sidney A. Haag, tendering his resignation as a member of the Youth Activities Committee, Councilman Schacht also mentioned he had received a letter from Mr. Fred Zecher, who was submitting his resignation from this Committee. Councilman Collischonn remarked that while he did not receive a letter of resignation, he felt it was obvious that The Reverend Bishop Richard Millard would no longer be able to serve on this Committee as he is moving to San Francisco to assume the duties of his new post in the Episcopal Church. He also stated Dr. Donald M. Roderick and Mr. Jerry Thrall have resigned, although he had no letters to this effect. Mr. Annibale inquired if it was intended that this Committee shall be a permanent one and if so, he would strongly suggest that an ordinance be enacted creating it and establishing its duties. President McCall said he felt this was the very thing the Council should determine in its meeting on the subject. Due to an apparent misunderstanding of the status of this Committee and its procedures, the Clerk was instructed to write to Mrs. Saylor, Secretary, requesting that any resig- nations of Committee members be sent directly to the City Council. Thus, the Clerk can include such communications on the agenda and copies will have been made and sent to each Councilman for his information prior to the meeting. Mrs. Coffman stated that prior to the last meeting of the Committee, Mrs. Saylor had not received any of these resignations. The Clerk was requested to write to the several persons who have resigned, expressing the Council's sincere appreciation for the time they have given in serving on this Committee. 10. At this point, President McCall stated that at this meeting of the Council recog- nition was being made of "Scout Day in Government" and he asked that each of the City officials introduce the Boy Scout who was acting as his counterpart for the occasion. All were acknowledged with applause. Mr. James A. Quinn, Vice President of the Scout Council, was then introduced. He responded by expressing appreciation to the Council and City officials for giving the Scouts the opportunity to participate in this event and to meet with the various City officials. He mentioned that this year the Scouts are celebrating their Fiftieth Anniversary nationwide, and their Forty-fourth Anniversary in Alameda where the move- ment was founded by Dr. Barclay W. Stephens, who was very active in Scouting for many years and who has never lost interest in its activities. Mr. Quinn also remarked that this year, for the first time, the Scopts are acting as officers of the Post Office. He announced that next Friday the Explorer Scouts are participating in an "Industrial Day" which will give them the privilege of touring through fifteen industrial plants. He felt these activities offer a very healthy interest for the boys who represent the future citizens of Alameda. There was a large audience of Boy Scouts, members of the Scout Council, Scout Masters and Committeemen, all of whom were noted with applause. President McCall stated the citizens of Alameda are proud of the work those in the Scouting movement are doing for the many young boys of the community. He thereupon presented each of the Scout "City Officials" with Certificates of Honorary Officials and the Scout "Mayor", in turn, presented a Boy Scout Handbook to Mayor McCall. .REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, ETCETERA: 11. From Treasurer, submitting the monthly report of collateral held concerning the investment of surplus City funds in the total amount of $1,100,000., in compliance with Resolution No. 6026. The communication was noted and ordered filed. 12. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Good Chevrolet for furnish- ing a Dump Truck to the Street Department at the low-bid price of $3,0h3.60. Councilman Collischonn moved the recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to said firm for furnishing the specified equipment at the price quoted and the bid bonds or checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five, Noes: None. Absent: None, 13. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Gallagher & Burk, Inc., low bidder, for the project of Constructing Storm Culverts on Lincoln Avenue from Bay Street to Ninth Street, at the total price of A24,993.59. Councilman Petersen moved the recommendation be accepted; that contract be awarded to the designated company for said project at the total price stated and the bid bonds or checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Coun- cilman Schacht and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five, Noes: None. Absent: None. 1L. From City Manager, recommending a three-day extension of time be granted to J. R. Armstrong Construction Co. for completion of its project to install a storm sewer system on Lincoln Avenue in the vicinity of Chapin and Grand Streets. Councilman Freeman moved the recommendation be followed and the extension of time be granted to said Company as requested. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and unanimously carried. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 15. Councilman Collischonn introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Certain City- Owned Real Property to Louis L. Eickmeyer (Excess Property -- Tilden Way)." Councilman Freeman questioned the proposed sale of this odd-shaped strip of land to Mr. Eickmeyer only. She noted that the abutting property is owned by a Mr. Anderson and thought the parcel could be divided and half sold to each party, thus preventing any attempt to build on the parcel alone. Upon request, Mr. Neil Clark, who had taken care of the negotiations in this matter explained the situation in detail, pointing up that it is in the City's interest to dispose of this small irregular piece of land to eliminate the maintenance expense. It was also developed that the City is obtaining a small triangular piece of prop- erty south of this location from Mr. Eickmeyer which is needed to straighten out the Tilden Way right-of-way. Councilman Freeman still wanted the study made of the situation and requested that Mr. Anderson be contacted to ascertain if he is interested in purchasing a portion of this parcel. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 16V , Councilman Schacht asked that the Clerk read the memorandum from the Assistant City Attorney, dated January 27, 1960, with regard to certain types of Council meet- ings as provided under the Brown Act, which would be "regular meetings", "adjourned regular meetings", "snecial meetings" and "adjourned special meetings". 1'. Councilman Freeman referred to the subject of the silting which has taken place in the San Leandro Channel as presented at the last meeting by the Aeolian Yacht Club and suggested the matter should be on the agenda for the regular meeting of March 15, at which time the engineering studies and reports will probably be ready. NEW BUSINESS: 18. Councilman Freeman called attention to a communication she had received from the Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization, Region 7, Santa Rosa, in notification of a meeting to be held in Alameda on March 21-22, 1960, at the Western Defense Training Center. It is to be attended by representatives from all parts of the State. 4 19. President McCall stated he had read in the newspaper tonight that Mr. Norman C. Raab, Projects Engineer, Division of San Francisco Bay Toll Crossing, had notified the City of San Francisco, the Port of Oakland and Army and Navy officials concerning studies being made covering three proposed routes for possible southern crossings of the Bay, as follows: (1) A parallel span from the Oakland Mole to Brannan Street in San Francisco; (2) a mole and trestle structure from Bay Farm Island to Candlestick Point and (3) a mole and trestle span from Lewelling Boulevard near San Lorenzo to Sierra Point, opposite Brisbane, San Mateo County. President McCall inquired if any communication on this matter had been sent to the City of Alameda - and Messrs. Weller and Hanna indicated they had not received any such information. President McCall felt a letter should be written to Mr. Raab, informing him that whenever any discussions are to be had with regard to any "con- nections" with Alameda, the City Council should be notified first. He suggested a copy of said letter be sent to the Director of the Department of Public Works so the matter would be fully understood. He pointed out the interests of the City of Alameda should be considered and the City should be well informed of any approaches contem- plated by the Division of Highways. RESOLUTIONS: 20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Freeman, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6038 Transferring Various Amounts from and to Certain Funds on the Books and Records of the City of Alameda." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6039 Requesting Study and Consideration of Conveyor Device Designed to Relieve Traffic Congestion and Aid Traffic Control in the Estuary Tube(s)." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. The President thereupon declared the foregoing resolutions duly adopted and passed. 22. At this point, President McCall announced that the City of Alameda has been noti- fied by the Federal General Services Administration that a certain portion of the "Maritime" property has been declared surplus and is available for purchase by Govern- mental Agencies at this time. He requested that the City Council meet upstairs in the Conference Room to discuss the subject fully - together with the situation pertaining to the State beaches and parks. He stated that all those interestedv,ere welcome to "sit in" on the meeting. This procedure was questioned and Mr. Annibale explained that the meeting should be adjourned to continue in the Conference Room for the purpose of considering the parti- cular matters mentioned - and it would then be an "adjourned regular meeting" as prescribed under the Brown Act. Following further discourse, it was ultimately agreed that the discussion of these subjects would be held in the Council Chamber immediately after completion of the regu- lar agenda and as a part of this regular meeting. BILLS: 23. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the amount of $71,025.37, 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 February 2, 1960, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and carried by the follow- ing roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. V' 2L. President McCall declared a recess to allow the Boy Scouts to leave by 9:00 o'clock and also, in order that necessary files and pertinent materials could be assembled in the Council Chamber for the Council's information and reference during the City Manager's presentation of the subjects in question. When the meeting reconvened, Mr. Weller delivered a detailed explanation of the history of the areas of land involved, the alternative procedures the Council might consider and all pertinent information relative thereto. He pointed out the deadline for the City to file a formal application indicating its interest in the acquisition of said parcel is March 1, 1960, and, under this procedure, the cost would be one-half the appraised value. All ramifications of the several aspects of the situation were explored and weighed. It was believed that no one else would be interested in buying the land for private development because of the exorbitant cost of such an enterprise. The lengthy discussion concluded with the determination that the Council would take no action at this time in the hope that, eventually, the City could submit a bid which would be favorable and the acquisition of the desired acreage of land could be accom- plished at a lesser cost to the City. (Verbatim copy of the full discussion on this subject made for information of Council- men and on file). ADJOURNMENT: 25. There being no further business tocome before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, February 16, 1960, at 7:30 o'clock. Respectfully submitted, City-Clerk 7 /