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1949-09-06 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL CF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 6, 1949 The meeting convened at 8:00 o'clock P. M. with President Branscheid presiding. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and Presi- dent Branscheid, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held August transcribed. 1949, were approved as WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2 From the West Alameda Association, suggesting the Council recommend to the State Highway Department that mechanical stop signs be installed at the intersection of Central Avenue and Webster Street, in the interest of public safety. President Branscheid commented to the effect that this situation poses quite a prob- lem -.the City has been earnestly endeavoring to have a signal installed at this intersection, but has been forestalled by the State Highway Department's refusal to make the installation by reason of the traffic count not warranting the installation of said signal. He stated that the City is at the present time taking another count to determine whether or not the situation has changed. 3. From Julius Steccone, 200 Pacific Avenue, requesting that a sewer manhole cover now located on his property be relocated. President Branscheid called on the City Manager for an explanation of this matter. Mr. Froerer stated he had had a discussion with Mr. Steccone on this subject some time ago. He stated the manhole is not on Yr. Steccone's property, but is within the street area and that In order to meet Mr. Steccone's request, it would be neces- sary to lay some 345 feet of pipe; to construct 3 additional manholes and to extend the outside laterals from the present location which is some 2,feet off the property out some 30 feet into the street - at a cost of approximately '2,468. Mr. Froerer stated the suggestion had been made to Mr. Steccone that the objectionable features surrounding, the present location of the manhole might be very materially eliminated by the installation of reinforced concrete frame with a reinforced concrete cover which would have the appearance of the adjacent sidewalk. He offered it as his recommendation that the City pursue the latter course. Mr. Froerer pointed out that it was very doubtful if the City could justify the expenditure of q 1500. to make the requested change. Upon being informed by Yr. Froerer that the new sewage disposal installation would not bring about any change in this situation, Councilman Jones stated that in view of the situation as outlined by the City Manager and the fact that the manhole is located on City property, and that the requested change would entail such a heavy expenditure, he would move that the alternative plan recommended by the City Manager be installed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and, on roll call car- ried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). roes: Hone. Absent: None. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 4. Mrs. Sarah A. Doolittle, 729 Central Avenue, stated she was present to submit a petition signed by some 350 residents around the intersection of Webster Street and Central Avenue, and to ask that some form of adequate protection be afforded - if signal lights cannot be installed, that a police officer be stationed at the intersection to assist pedestrians across the street durin„, the peak hours of traffic. President Branscheid again explained the situation at that point, as to the instal- lation of traffic signals and stated the City would do everything in its power to solve the problem in a satisfactory manner. OPENING OF BIDS: Bids were presented and read for the furnishing of Fill Material for the Bay Farm Island Levee, in accordance with Specifications and Provisions therefor, No. MS 8-49-10, as follows: From Castro Valley Rock Company 9 .88 per cu. yd. Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of - 500. From 0. C. Jones & Sons .64 per cu. yd. Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - 500. From Independent Construction Co. .875 per cu. yd. Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - .500. From Johnson, Drake 8:: Piper, Inc. Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - 500. .56 per cu. yd. From Ariss-Knapp Co. .49 per cu. yd. Accompanied by certified check in amount of - 500. The bids were referred to the City Tanager for study and report. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 6. From the Mayor, City Manager and Deputy Auditor, submitting their report on the Count of Money held August 17, 1949, showing there was chargeable to, and under the control of the City Treasurer, the amount of $2,660,318.05, the sum which ac- cording to the Auditor's records should have at that time been in the City Treasury. The report was ordered filed. 7f the City Manager, recommending that David D. Hughes, Assistant Purchasing Agent, attend the Purchasing Agents' Conference to be held in San Francisco on September 16 and 17, 1949, and that $15. be appropriated for his expenses. Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that Mr. Hughes be authorized to attend the Conference referred to and $15. be allowed to cover his expenses. The motion 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. 8. From the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to Martin Murphy, the low bidder, for the reconstruction of the storm sewer along the west boundary of Washington Park, at the bid price of $4,555., in accordance with Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans No. PW 6-49-13. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that con- tract be awarded to the designated bidder at the price indicated and the bid checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Osb rn, Jones, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 9. From the City Manager, requesting authorization to dispose of certain used tires, batteries and tubes which have accumulated at the City Hall Garage. Councilman Sweeney moved the City Manager's request be granted and he be authorized to sell the items listed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unani- mously carried. 101 From the City Manager, requesting authorization to sell six old light stan- dards being removed from High Street to the local parochial high school for the sum of $2.50 each. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's request be granted and he be authorized to dispose of the light standards referred to at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and unanimously carried. 11. From the City Manager, recommending that Mrs. Cecelia Robinson, Policewoman, be authorized to attend the convention of the Women Peace Officers Association at Sacramento, from October 5, to 8, 1949, and $55. be appropriated for her expenses. Councilman Jones moved the City Manager's recommendation be accepted: that Mrs. Robinson be allowed to attend the designated convention and $55. be allowed for her expenses. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call car- ried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. l2' the City Manager, recommending the City inform the Housing Authority that it has no objections to the disposal by the Authority of a small triangular parcel of property in the west end of the City to a Mr. John Huston. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be followed and the Housing Authority be advised that the City has no objection to this transaction. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. 13. President Branscheid stated there was one committee report missing from the Agenda and he would call upon the City Manager to report on the bid received from the Alameda Times-Star for the legal advertising of the City during the fiscal year 1949-1950. Mr. Froerer stated that upon instructions of the Council he had analyzed the bid and his analysis shows that it would be to the best interest of the City to award the contract and he would therefore recommend that such an award be made. 299 Councilman Sweeney moved the recommendation of the City Manager be adopted and con- tract be awarded to the Alameda Times-Star for legal advertising for the fiscal year 1949-1950. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and Presi- dent Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 14. 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 the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding to Title IX Thereof a New Chapter and Article to be Known as Chapter 6, Article 1, Relating to Pits, Wells, Septic Tanks, Cesspools or Other Openings or Excavations, and Regulating the Same." RESOLUTIONS: 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4077 Creating a Special Fund to be Known as "Washington Park Storm Sewer Fund" and TransferrinP. 5,500.00 from the Capital Outlays Fund Thereto. 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: Hone. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4078 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Remodeling of the Library Basement, 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 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 Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4079 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Storm Water Disposal System North of the Northwest Corner of the Stokely Foods, Inc., Warehouse, 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 Anderson, 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 Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No 4080 Approving and Adopting a Budget for the Fiscal Year 1949-50: Appropriating Certain Moneys for the Expenditures Provided in Said Budget for Said Fiscal Year, and Ratifying Certain Expen- ditures Heretofore Made." The motion 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. Ihereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. Councilman Jones asked for a report on the outstanding feature of the Budget and City Manager Froerer gave a detailed report on the chief items of the City's pub- lic works program for the year, with a close analysis of the sources from which the moneys to accomplish the program were to be obtained. 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4081 Fixing the Rate and Levying a Tax on All Real and Personal Property in the City of Alameda for the Fiscal Year 1949-1950 and Apportionin the Same Among the Several Funds of the City. 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 the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. President Branscheid stated it might be interesting to note that the cost of the City Government for the current fiscal year is just over c2,000,000. He noted that the tax rate fixed is seven cents less than the rate of last year. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 20/ Prior to the presentation of this ordinance for passage, Mr. Dan Lundberg, Executive Secretary of the Serve Yourself Gasoline Service Stations, Inc., asked for, and was given permission to address the Council in opposition to the pro- posed ordinance. Mr. Lundberg outlined the history of this type of station in the State of Cali- fornia, dwelt at length upon the question of the fire hazard as raised by those opposed to this type of station and by his arguments sought to prove that the Self-Service Stations are as much an asset to the City as the conventional type of gasoline service station. He pointed out the numerous types of safety devices used in connection with the self-service stations and stated that in many towns where ordinances of this type have been passed, the Legislative Body, upon learn- ing all the facts connected with this self-service type of station, has repealed such ordinances. Mr. Lundberg introduced Mr. Warren Graham, a petroleum engineer, who supported Mr. Lundberg's arguments in the matter of the lack of fire hazard occasioned by self- service stations. A Mr. Burton, who stated he is a resident of the City of Alameda, suggested to the Council that it familiarize itself with the practice of self-service stations before it votes to exclude them from the City. Councilman Osborn noted the presence of Fire Chief Lane in the audience and sug- gested he be called upon to give his views on the fire hazard created by the self-service stations. Chief Lane stated he had heard numerous reports on this type of station and be- cause there have been no fires, it does not follow that there will be none. He pointed out there are no such stations within the city limits of Los Angeles; also the fact that there have been no fires in the conventional service stations in the City of Alameda in the past 23 years. He indicated that Albany, Berkeley and other nearby cities have adopted ordinances similar to the one now under con- sideration by Alameda and suggested that if the City at any time felt it had been wrong in adopting such an ordinance, it could repeal it. He recommended, however, that the City take all safeguards in the meantime. Following further discussion of the matter by Mr. Lundberg and Mr. Frank Gottstein, Councilman Anderson moved the following ordinance be adopted as read. 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. "Ordinance No. 981, New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding to Article 1, Chapter 4, Title XIV Thereof a New Section to be Known as Section 14-4115, Regulating the Operation of Gasoline, Benzine, and Inflammable Liquid Dispensing Devices." Councilman Jones stated he felt it should be pointed out that this ordinance was introduced because the Council did not know about proper regulations for this type of station and felt it would be well to protect the City of Alameda before it was confronted with stations operating in the City without proper regulations. He pointed out that not too much is known about these stations but that on the other hand very few cities know what the appropriate regulations are and that until that time arrives, the City of Alameda by this ordinance, will be protected against such unsatisfactory conditions arising. President Branscheid stated that the introduction and adoption of this ordinance was riot pointed at the self-service stations, but was pointed at the regulation of something the City does not know too much about. FILING: 21. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers & Co. - Bureau of Electricity, as of June 30, 1949. 22. Annual Financial Report - Bureau of Electricity - Year ending June 30, 1949. 23. Auditor's Balance Sheet - lionth ending August 31, 1949. 24. Audit Report - City of Alameda - Goodell, Byers & Co. - June 30, 1949. 25. Audit Report - Goodell, Byers Co Co. - Bureau of Electrici June 30, 1949. 26. Specifications - No. PW 9-49-16 - Remodeling of the Library Basement. 27. Specifications - No. PW 9-48-14 - Storm Water Disposal System. 28. Final Budget - Fiscal Year 1949-1950. BILLS: 29. An itemized List of Claims against some of the departments of the City of Alameda, in the total amounts as follows, was presented to the City Council at this meeting: General Departments, 28.39: Gas Tax No. 2 Fund, -1:38,898.; McKinley Park Restoration Fund, ,7,449.75; Bay Farm Island Sewer Fund, 49,121.57. Councilman Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on September 6, 1949, and submitted to the Council at this time, be allowed and paid. The motion 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. ADJOURNMENT: 30. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council ad- journed to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, September 20, 1949, at 8:00 o'clock. Respectfully ed, y Clerk