1946-06-05 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING, JUNE 5, - - - - - - - - 1946
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 President
Branscheid, (5), were noted present. Absent: None.
MINUTES:
1. The minutes of the regular meeting held May 21, 1946, were approved as
transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2'f Copy of a communication was presented from the Fernside Marina Homeowners
Association, addressed to the City Planning Commission. This letter pointed
out that Lots Nos. 3 and 90 in the Fernside Marina Tract - No. 526 - were classi-
fied in the business district in 1940 which was contrary to the "Declaration of
Conditions and Restrictions" executed by the Tract in 1938, and it was requested
that they be rezoned to their original residential status.
The matter was referred to the City Planning Board.
3: From the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, submitting the results of a vote taken
of local merchants after the Retail Trade. Committee of the Chamber had conducted
a survey and study extended over a period of approximately a year, and recommend-
ing the installation of parking meters, on a trial basis, in all Alameda shopping
districts.
Councilman Jones moved this matter be referred to the City Manager so that he
might make the necessary survey and report back his findings and recommendation.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and carried.
President Branscheid stated that the Cities of Oakland and Berkeley now have the
matter of parking meters under study and are desirous of having Alameda if it
decides to install parking meters - use the meter which will be used by those
cities in order that there may be some uniformity of machines throughout the Bay
area.
ORAL 00I1 NNICATIONS :
4. Mr. Frank Gottstein addressed the Council with the request that something be
done about the congestion of traffic. He stated that while there is no question
concerning the need for a new Tube, there are other local conditions contributing
to the congestion of traffic which can be immediately taken care of. He directed
particular attention to the situation existing in front of the premises of the
Rosefield Packing Corporation on Webster Street, at which point all transbay and
Oakland busses stop to pick up passengers. He stated there are always one or more
cars parked in front of that plant which makes it necessary for the busses to park
diagonally, causing them to project out into Webster Street thus forming a bottle-
neck which produces a single line of traffic passing that point. He suggested in
this connection that a bus parking zone be marked off at this point or that it
might be better still to change the bus stop to a place immediately in front of
the substation.
He also suggested that the Council contact the Council of the City of Oakland with
a view to having some plan of rerouting the busses through Oakland at peak hours,
thereby lessening the congestion in the Tube.
Mr. P. W. Barnard, President of the Alameda Citizens' Transportation Association,
addressed the Council, stating that on behalf of his organization he wished to
urge that the Council take action to put into effect the motion that was made and
passed to have a survey made to cover the entire transportation operation in Alameda.
He stated that a considerable number of the members of the Association were present
and that some of them might wish to address the Council.
Mr. E. W. Paterson stated he would like to address the Council and remarked that
other cities in the East Bay, according to information received by the Transporta-
tion Association, are preparing to make a transportation survey and that in view
of this fact, he thought it advisable for Alameda to employ a capable engineer
before all the competent engineers are employed by the other cities. It was his
belief that such a survey is more important now than ever before as it is possible
that the new owners of the Key System might be willing to cooperate in carrying
out the recommendations developed by such a survey and that it was the hope of the
Transportation Association that action will be taken promptly.
President Branscheid, in response to Mr. Paterson's remarks, stated that the City
Manager is leaving for Washington and that while he is there, he will find out
what progress is being made toward the building of a new Tube, pointing out that
the completion of a new Tube is the No. 1 problem of this City. He stated further
that aside from the matter of the Tube, there are two or three things which have
to be decided upon and that while a lot of ground work has been done on them,
there is still much to be done and that the Council is hopeful that it will very
shortly be in a position to capitalize on some of them. He also remarked that
there are several other angles involved and that the Council hopes to come to
some definite conclusions on them but would first like to know what the City's
position is with regard to the new Tube. He expressed the opinion that in order
to properly survey these problems, it would be necessary to know where we are
going when we come out of the Tube in Oakland, and stated that if we know there
is going to be a Tube and where our outlets will be then the City can start to plan.
He stated further that he felt that by the time the City Manager gets back from
Washington and advises the Council further on this subject, it can make a definite
decision on the scope of the survey.
Councilman Jones stated he felt there was one thing that should be done immediate-
ly -- that the new officials of the Key System should be contacted for the purpose
of ascertaining what their plans are relative to improving transportation. He
pointed out that in order to start out on a survey, the City should know what the
Key System's plans are and what they have in mind to do for us. He thereupon moved
that the Acting City Manager be requested to make arrangements to have the Council
meet with officials of the Key System so that we can find out exactly what we want
to have the engineer undertake in his survey and that two representatives of the
Transportation group be invited to sit in on the conference arranged for in order
that they might be kept informed of the situation.
Councilman Jones stated he believed that the information developed by such a meeting
would influence the Council to a great extent in its choice of an engineer to make
the survey and that he favored the hiring of an engineer at the very earliest oppor-
tunity. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney, who pointed out that it was
he who originally made the motion for the survey and that what he wanted at that
time was to have a capable traffic man employed immediately. He stated he was of
the same opinion still -- that the survey is needed, and needed now. The President
put the motion which was carried.
Mr. Owen White stated that he spoke for the people in the west end of Alameda and
that those people expected that something will be done about transportation in the
City. He thought the contemplated survey was the only reasonable proposition that
has been made and that his people expect the survey to be made. He promised the
Council that the west and commuters would continue to agitate this matter until
something is done.
Mr. Paterson again took the floor and stated it seemed to him that it would be ad-
visable to have the survey made before the new Tube is planned inasmuch as the
traffic engineer would then be in a position to tell the Council where the Tube
might go - or should be placed.
President Branscheid expressed the view that nothing constructive in the way of a
survey could be done until there is some definite information at hand as to whether
or not the Tube is going to be built.
Councilman Sweeney observed that inasmuch as there is something terribly wrong with
the over -all transportation picture in Alameda, something should be done about it
and the best way to proceed is to hire a competent traffic engineer immediately and
find a remedy for this condition.
Councilman Jones stated that his purpose in proposing a meeting with the
officials was to lay the ground work for a survey and that after this mee
traffic expert could be engaged who wouOd then be in position to know wha
be covered in such a survey. He remarked that he had no intention of pos
survey but that his idea was simply to properly prepare the way for it.
Mr. Paterson suggested that the Tube has nothing to do with the survey - that addi-
tional busses might not be the answer to the problem of mass transportation - but
that a rerouting of the busses might be advisable. He pointed out that it will be
several years before the Tube is built - if it is ever built- and that before that
time the people of the City want improved transportation service.
President Branscheid stated that he agreed a survey should be made but felt that the
time for it is not just now, He pointed out that there are other interests than those
of the commuters involved, including local vehicular traffic and that all the efforts
of the Council cannot be devoted to demanding more busses. He stated that the Key
System has 200 .busses ordered and that Alameda has been promised its share of them,
but that it is still difficult to get busses. He observed that in his opinion to
hire a man and pay him $5,000. to tell us that we need more busses is not going to
solve any problem.
:ey System
ing a
should
poning the
Mr. Paterson remarked that if that is the only information an engineer can give us,
of course we do not want the survey, but that there are other matters involved. He
stated that we do want to. know if we are getting the best service possible
the busses owned by the Key System at the present time. Also, how can the
congestion be relieved.,
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affic
President Branscheid inquired if the Transportation Association had given any
further consideration to the suggestion of a'shuttle service of trains across the
bridge, connecting with busses, stating that no reaction had been received from
the transportation group on that point, and also inquired how the new San Francisco
Terminal is working out.
Mr. White replied that the Terminal is fine and a great improvement but that some
difficulty is being experienced in the matter of the Key System taking single tickets
at the rear door of the busses. President Branscheid assured the group that trip
these matters would be looked into.
Mr. Gottstein questioned the amount of $5,000. for, the proposed survey and was in-
formed that this was a maximum figure only. Councilman Sweeney stated he felt
$5,000. for such a survey would be a very cheap price if it resulted in the solu-
tion of the problem.
OPENING OF BIDS:
5. A bid was presented and read from the Alameda Times -Star for furnishing legal
advertising during the fiscal year ending Tune 30, 1947, as follows:
First insertion
Second insertion
Third and subsequent insertion
0111 4010
1.38 per square
1.08 per square
.93 per square
6. Bids were opened and read for the furnishing of (a) Medium Curing Plant -mixed
Surfacing Paving Mixtures and (b) Penetration Type Asphaltic Emulsion during the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1943, in accordance with Specifications and Provisions
No. MS 5 -46 -5, as follows:
From Heafey -Moore Co.
Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - - - $500.
From American Bitumuls Company
Accompanied by a certified check in amount of - - - $ 51.66
7: Bid was presented from Heafey -Moore Co. for furnishing (a) Quarry Waste and
(b) Earth Fill at City Dump during the fiscal year ending Tune 30, 1947, in accord-
ance with Specifications and Provisions No. MS 5 -46 -6. The bid was accompanied by
a certified check in the amount of $500.
8: Bids were opened and read_ for the furnishing of Non Premium and Ethyl Gasoline
during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1947, in accordance with Specifications and
Provisions No. MS 5 -46 -7, as follows:
From The Texas Company
General Petroleum Corporation
Tide Water Associated Oil Company
Standard Oil Company of California
Van Buren Oil Company
Union Oil Company of California
Signal Oil Company
Each of the above bids was accompanied by a certified check in the amount of $500.
9.. Bids were opened and read for the project of resurfacing and repair of asphalt
and bituminous pavement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1947, in accordance with
Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans No. PW 5- 46 -4,, as follows:
From Independent Construction Co., Ltd.
Accompanied by certified check in amount of $2,400.
From Ransome Company
Accompanied by certified check in amount of 2,500.
10. Bids were opened and read for the project of repair of Portland Cement Concrete
Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1947, in accordance
with specifications, Special Provisions and Plans No. PW 5r -46 -5, as follows:
From Ransome Company
Accompanied by certified check in amount of $ 450.
From Joe Vierra
No certified or cashierts check accompanied this bid.
There being no objections, all of the above bids were referred to the Acting City
Manager. for his study and recommendation.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:_
11. From the Mayor, City Manager and Deputy Auditor, submitting their report on
the count of money held May 22, 1946, showing there was $2,236,290.77 chargeable
to and under control of the City Treasurer, the sum which according to the Auditor's
records, should have at that time been in the City Treasury.
The report was noted and ordered filed.
12 A communication was presented from the City Tax Collector concerning a request
to have certain property known as No. 9 Mastick Court offered for sale at public
auction. This property was deeded to the City for delinquent. taxes on July 1, 1942.
The City Attorney suggested this matter be laid over until the next meeting of the
Council.
Councilman Osborn incorporated this suggestion in a motion to that effect which
was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and carried.
13. President Branscheid inquired if the Flag Day Committee had anything to report.
Councilman Sweeney outlined the program prepared for the observance of Flag Day on
June 16, and the decorations that had been arranged. He stated that Flag Week will
officially start on June 10, and that Flags will be displayed throughout the City
during the entire week.
President Branscheid urged everyone to plan to attend the Flag Day ceremony.
RESOLUTIONS:
14. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3319
Declaring Public Interest and Necessity Require the
Acquisition of Certain Lands for Public Street and
Highway Purposes."
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.
15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3320
Appointing an Acting City Manager During the Absence
of the City Manager."
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.
16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3321
Accepting Option of Purchase of Certain Real Property
from J. C. Grantham and Shirley A. Grantham, His Wife,
and Consenting to the Recordation Thereof."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Tones 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.
17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3322
Accepting Option of Purchase of Certain Real Property
from J. C. Grantham and Shirley A. Grantham, His Wife,
and Consenting to the Recordation Thereof."
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.
18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved
its adoption:
"Resolution No. 3323
Authorizing Execution of Agreement with J. C. Grantham
and Shirley A. Grantham, His Wife, in Connection with
Certain Real Property."
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.
19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3324
Authorization for the Mayor and City Engineer to Attend
American Municipal Conference at Timberline Lodge, Oregon."
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, (4) Noes: None. Absent: None. Not Voting: President
Branscheid, (1). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted
and passed.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
20. "Ordinance No. 894,
New Series
An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by
Adding to Title XIII Thereof a New Chapter and Article
to be Known as Chapter 3, Article 1, Regulating Solici
tations for Charitable, Patriotic, Philanthropic and
Other Purposes."
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.
21. "Ordinance No. 895,
New Series
An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding
Section 33 to Ordinance No. 725, New Series."
Councilman Howe 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:
22. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers & Henry - Bureau of Electricity,
as at April 30, 1946.
23. Auditor's Balance Sheet - Month ending May 31, 1946.
24. Agreement - Between City and J. C. and Shirley A. Grantham concerning
purchase by City of certain property.
BILLS:
25. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and several of the
departments thereof in the total amounts as follows, was presented to the Council
at this meeting: General Departments, $419.45; Initiative Relief Fund, $7.50.
Councilman Howe moved
City Clerk on June 5,
and paid. The motion
by the following vote
president Branscheid,
the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the
1946, and presented to the Council at this time, be allowed
was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried
. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and
(5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
ADTO T:
26. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council
adjourned to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, Tune 18, 1946,
at 8:00 P. M.