1946-06-18 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
FIELD TUESDAY EVENING TUNE 18 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. June 5, 1946, were approved as
transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2:/ From Bart T. Coffin, 2901 Marina Drive, directing the attention of the Council
to the disturbing noise given off by the loose planking on Fruitvale Avenue Bridge
whenever an automobile passes over it, and suggesting a remedy for this condition.
The matter was referred to the Acting City Manager, with the request that he take
the matter up with the United States District Engineer to see if something could
not be done to eliminate the condition.
3. From the West-Alameda Transportation Committee, asking for a hearing on the
matter of bus service in the housing projects.
Following the reading of the communication, President Branscheid stated the Council
has been in contact with the Key System and has discussed with that company the
matter of transportation through the housing projects. He stated further that
several matters relative to the transportation picture are now under discussion
with the Key System and that there is some hope of having most of the difficulties
ironed out.
At this point, the President invited anybody of the West-Alameda Transportation
Committee who wished to address the Council, to do so.
Mr. Wayne Hultgren, Chairman of the West-Alameda Transportation Committee, stated
that a petition for housing project transportation had been circulated among resi-
dents of the housing projects and more than 4,500 signatures had been secured.
He also remarked that following the circulation of the petition, a meeting was
arranged for and held with the Key System representative, Mr. Dibble, and that
while certain promises had been made during the conference, nothing has as yet
come out of it.
Mr. Hultgren related some of the difficulties residents in the housing projects
have in reaching a bus line - many of them being required to walk a distance of
from one-half mile to over a mile to catch a bus and emphasized that this condi-
tion is particularly bad at night because of the narrow walkway crossing the rail-
road tracks, with no illumination, and certain hazards because of the danger of
robbery, etcetera.
He also stated that at the conference with Mr. Dibble, there was some discussion
of the possibility of running a shuttle bus through the housing projects to con-
nect with the main lines, and said he felt that if even this could be arranged
for it would be a great improvement over the present situation. In closing, Mr.
Hultgren stated that with more than 20,000 people living in the housing projects,
it was believed they were entitled to some consideration from the transit company
and expressed the hope that the Council would take some action in the matter on
behalf of these people.
President Branscheid stated that the Council recognizes the need for service in
that area, also that the service throughout the entire City of Alameda is inade-
quate. He stated that an effort is being made to improve the transportation as
a whole and that the Council would be glad to incorporate the request of this
committee in its further discussions with the Key System - pointing out that
while a separate issue could not be made of this particular phase of the situation,
it could be worked in with the picture as a whole. He also stated that the Key
System would be contacted and a report made to the Committee.
Councilman Jones quoted Mr. Dibble's remarks concerning this situation as given at
the conference between Key System officials and the Council, on Tuesday, June 11,
and stated that he felt Mr. Hultgren's outline of the situation calls for a little
more than incorporating it in the picture as a whole, and that it should be defi-
nitely passed along as a separate issue to be included with the rest of the Ala-
meda program, in view of the fact that Mr. Dibble, at the conference, did not
state that there had been a meeting with this Committee and that certain promises
had been made. He stated that he believed this matter should be added to the
agenda which Mr. Davis of the Key System is now covering on behalf of the City of
Alameda.
Requested to incorporate this matter in a motion, Councilman Jones moved that the
Key System be informed of the appearance before the Council of the West- Alameda
Transportation Committee and that it be asked to make an immediate study of the
possibility of furnishing some type of bus service to the housing projects in the
City. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and carried.
4. From the Alameda Citizens Transportation Association, requesting the City to
file a formal protest to the Application of the Key System for increased rates in
fares.
Councilman Osborn stated that in view of the fact that the Council has laid plans
for a joint meeting of representatives of all East Bay communities which would be
vitally affected by the raise in rates requested by the Key System, he felt that
the best procedure would be for the City of Alameda to make its protest in a joint
way and to request that a study be made of the situation as it affects the East
Bay communities. Further, that we act in concert with all cities, and if necessary
employ competent representatives that will represent the East Bay communities in
any hearing before the Railroad Commission in connection with the proposed increase
in fares. He thereupon moved that the Acting City Manager be instructed to communi
cate with the other East Bay cities along this line. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Tones.
Mr. P. W. Barnard, President of the Transportation Association, read a prepared
statement in which it was strongly urged that the Council immediately file the
City's protest to any increase in fares, stating that it was the feeling of the
Transportation Association that the Key System should be compelled through public
hearings to justify the advance in fares requested.
Councilman Osborn stated that his motion had a very definite objective in view and
that we should have concerted action on this matter, getting all the cities to work
together and employing a competent engineer to investigate all the given reasons
for the requested increase in fares so that we will be in a position to present our
case before the Railroad Commission in a competent authoritative manner and receive
the attention and consideration we should have.
Mr. F. G. MacGinnis stated that he had had a talk with Mr. Hall of the Railroad Com-
mission this afternoon and has been advised that any protest against the increase
in rates should be filed with the Commission at the earliest possible moment. He
recited the contents of the Application of the Key System and stated that the Rail-
road Commission is going to do the same thing the Association has asked the Council
to do, that they will not allow the rate increase unless the Key System can show
conclusively that it is justified.
Mr. E. W. Paterson also spoke on the natter, reiterating what the other speakers
had said.
Councilman Jones stated that he felt the motion before the Council is not at vari-
ance with the objective of the Transportation group, pointing out that before the
hearing comes on, it will be necessary to have some facts and figures on the subject.
He stated that the purpose of the motion is to call a meeting of the various cities
so that a unified plan of action can be worked out to accomplish the object we have
in mind, and that naturally the voice of Alameda; will be heard as loudly even though
it might be combined with all the other cities affected by the increase in rates.
He stated further that he thought it well to put forward the idea of an alternate
type of commutation book - perhaps a twenty round -trip ticket book, so that those
not working on Saturdays or using the commutation books on Sundays, could buy com-
mutation at a lower figure. He pointed out that this subject could be taken up at
the meeting with all the other representatives and that if the cities acted together,
the Railroad Commission would be bound to give the matter some consideration.
Councilman Osborn stated that it was his intention at all times to definitely have
Alameda on record as protesting, and to be represented at any meeting of the Rail-
road Commission on the matter of increase in rates. He that that, through coopera-
tion and the coordinated action of all East Bay Cities, he felt we would have a much
more effective protest and representation at the hearing.
Councilman Sweeney inquired as to what would happen if it develops that the cities
do not find it possible to cooperate in this matter and Councilman Osborn stated
that under those circumstances, the City of Alameda should certainly proceed on its
own. The question was called for, the motion was put and unanimously. carried.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
5: Mr. Frank Gottstein stated that he wished to present a matter which he had pre-
sented several times to the Council, namely; the possibility of diverting traffic
out of Posey Tube along the following route: a right hand turn out of the Oakland,
Portal of the Tube at 6th Street; along 6th Street to Alice Street; down Alice Street
to 4th Street; make 4th Street a one -way thoroughfare and bring traffic back up to
7th or 8th Streets at Franklin Street or Broadway. He stated that in view of the
fact that the City of Oakland has authorized a survey of its transportation situa-
tion at a cost of $50,000., it was possible that this matter could be taken care of
in that survey.
President Branscheid inquired of Acting City Manager Froerer as to whether or not
this matter had ever been taken up with the City of Oakland and Mr. Froerer re-
plied that the matter has been taken up with the City of Oakland on numerous oc-
casions and that in view of the fact that jurisdiction is outside of our City,
nothing much except.pursuasion can be used in trying to get Oakland to act on the
matter.
President Branscheid remarked that the principal objection to the route proposed
by Mr. Gottstein is that it goes through the wholesale district in Oakland which
is badly blocked for a great portion of the day.
Mr. Gottstein stated that he had sampled this thing and that if 4th Street is made
a one-way street, it will work out the problem. He suggested that a letter from
this Council to the Oakland City Council should be written and that the matter
should not be taken up by one City Manager with the other City Manager.
Councilman Osborn moved that the City Clerk and Acting City Manager to be, communi-
cate this idea to the City Council of Oakland, through its City Manager, with the
definite request that we hear from them as to their reaction at an early date. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Howe and carried.
HEARINGS:
V'
6. President Branscheid stated that the representative of the Alameda South Shore
Land Company was present and if he had any remarks to make the Council would be
glad to hear them at this time.
Mr. Moore, Engineer of the Land Company, said he would like to request that action
on his company's petition for the reclassification of certain portions of Bay Farm
Island from a residential to an industrial district, which has been denied by the
City Planning Board and recommended to the Council on that basis, be postponed to
give the company ample time to see if it is possible to work out some equitable
solution to this problem. He stated that obviously the compromise solution they
had attempted to work out in the last,proposal to the City Planning Board did not
meet with the approval of that Board and that if it is at all possible, they would
appreciate a little more time to see if something constructive could be done on
the matter.
Councilman Howe moved the matter be laid over until the next regular meeting of the
Council. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and carried.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
7 From the Mayor, nominating Mr. R. E. Bosshard for reappointment to the,office
of member of the Board of Education for a term beginning July 1, 1946, and expiring
June 30, 1951.
EVI. From the Mayor, nominating Mr. George S. Williams for reappointment to the
office of member of the City Planning Board for a term commencing July 1, 1946,
and expiring June 30, 1951.
From the Mayor, nominating Mrs. Ellen Godfrey and The Reverend Ralph Conard
for reappointment to the offices of member of the Social Service Board for terms
beginning July 1, 1946, and expiring June 30, 1949.
10 From the
of member of
expiring June
11 From the
of member of
June 30, 1951
12 From the
member of the
June 30, 1951
Mayor, nominating Mr. John M. O'Dea for reappointment to the office
the Public Utilities Board for a term beginning July 1, 1946, and
30, 1950.
Mayor,. nominating Mr. Wallace Miracle for reappointment to the office
the Library Board for a term commencing July 1, 1946, and expiring
Mayor, nominating Mr. Floyd Larkin, for appointment to the office of
Civil Service Board for a term commencing July 1, 1946, and expiring
13"; From the Mayor, submitting the names of the following for reappointment to
the War Housing Center Committee for a one-year term, ending June 15, 1947: Frank
D. Kelly, L. M. Apple, George P. Johnson, Vernon S. Yallop and E. R. Sanford.
All of the above matters were referred to "Resolutions."
14, Following the reading of the letters of nomination, President Branscheid stated
that he would like to call the attention of the Council to the fact that Mr. John
R. Parkinson, whose term as a member of the Civil Service Board expires on June 30,
1946, was unable to accept reappointment by reason of ill health. He commended Mr.
Parkinson very highly for the splendid job he has done on this Board and expressed
regret that he is unable to longer serve as a member thereof.
Councilman Osborn moved the City Clerk be instructed to write a letter to Mr.
Parkinson complimenting him for his past services and expressing the regret of
the City at his inability to serve further. The motion was seconded by Council-
man Howe and carried.
15. From the Acting City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to the
Alameda Times-Star, the sole bidder, for furnishing legal advertising during the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1947.
President Branscheid inquired as to whether or not there was an increase in the
rate for City legal advertising and Mr. Froerer stated that the bid represented
an increase of from ten to fifteen per cent over last year's prices.
Councilman Jones moved the recommendation of the Acting City Manager be accepted
and contract awarded to the Alameda Times-Star for the fiscal year 1946-47. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the follow-
ing vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and. President Brans-
cheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
16.
From the Acting City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to Heafey-
Moore Co. for furnishing paving mixtures, and to American Bitumuls Company for
furnishing asphaltic emulsion during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1947.
Councilman Osborn moved the recommendation of the Acting City Manager be approved;
that contracts be awarded to Heafey-Moore Co. and to American Bitumuls Company for
furnishing the specified items during the fiscal year 1946-47. The motion 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.
17. From the Acting City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to Heafey-
Moore Co. for furnishing Quarry Waste and Earth Fill at City Dump during the fis-
cal year ending June 30, 1947.
Councilman Howe moved the recommendation of the Acting City Manager be adopted;
that contract be awarded to Heafey-Moore Co. for furnishing the specified items
during the fiscal year 1946-47. The motion 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.
18:- From the Acting City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to General
Petroleum Corporation for furnishing Premium and. Non-Premium Gasoline to the City
during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1947.
Councilman Osborn moved the recommendation of the Acting City Manager be approved;
that contract be awarded to General Petroleum Corporation for furnishing gasoline
during the fiscal year 1946-47, and that bid checks be returned to the unsuccess
ful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried
by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and Presi-
dent Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
19. From the Acting City Manager recommending that contract be awarded to Ransome
Company for the project of resurfacing and repair of asphalt and bituminous pave-
ment in the City during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1947.
Councilman Jones moved the recommendation of the Acting City Manager be accepted;
that contract be awarded to Ransome Company for the stipulated project and that
bid check be returned to the unsuccessful bidder. The motion 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.
20" the Acting City Manager, recommending the proposal for the repair of
concrete sidewalk, curb and gutter be rejected in view of the excessive prices
quoted and that the City Engineer be authorized to have the work accomplished on
negotiated prices.
Councilman Howe moved the recommendation of the Acting City Manager be approved;
,
1 that bid be rejected and the City Engineer be authorized to have the work done as
requested. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried
by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and Presi-
dent Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
21. Councilman Howe 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 Acquisition of Certain
Real Property for Street and Highway Purposes."
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
22' from the last meeting of the Council, the matter of a communication
from the City Tax Collector was presented, requesting permission to sell at public
auction certain tax deeded property held .by the City - known as No. 9 Mastick
Court.
At the suggestion of the City Attorney, the matter was laid over to the regular ,
meeting to be held July 2, 1946.
RESOLUTIONS:
23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3325
Appointing Member of the Board of Education."
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 Presi-
dent declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3326
Appointing Member of the City Planning Board."
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.
25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3327
Appointing Member of the Social Service Board."
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.
26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3328
Appointing Member of Public Utilities Board."
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 Presi-
dent declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3329
Appointing Member of the Library Board."
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.
28. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3330
Appointing Member of the Civil Service Board."
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.
29. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3331
Appointing Members of War Housing Center Committee."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Howe and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Tones, Osborn, Sweeney
and President Branscheid:, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the Presi-
dent declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
30. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3332
Appointing Member of the Retirement Board."
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.
31. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3333
Appointing an Acting City Manager During the Absence
of the City Manager."
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 Presi-
dent declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
32. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3334
Fixing Time and Place for Hearing and Passing Upon
Report of Superintendent of Streets, No. 2, of the
Cost of Repair of Certain Defective Conditions and
Any Objections or Protests Thereto."
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 Presi-
dent declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
33. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3335
Fixing Time of Payment of Salaries and Compensations."
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.
34. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3336
Declaring Public Interest and Necessity Require the
Acquisition of Certain Lands for Public Park Purposes."
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.
35 Councilman Jones stated at this time that he had noted in the local paper that
Mrs. P. S. Barton had passed away and asked that a resolution of condolence be pre-
pared and that the Council adjourn out of respect to her memory. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Osborn and carried.
36. The President noted the presence of Fire Chief Lane, who stated he was present
merely as a spectator.
Councilman Jones commented on the brocchure sent in by the Fire Chief covering
the conference of the Fire Chiefs' Association at San Jose and congratulated him
upon his conduct of the proceedings at that time.
FILING:
37. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers & Henry - City of Alameda,
as at May 31, 1946.
BILLS:
38. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the several de-
partments thereof in the total amounts as follows, was presented to the Council
at this meeting; General Departments, $6,795.76; Police Department, $2,062.75;
Civil Service Department, $27.60; Pound Department, $109.70; Fire Department,
$884.30; Health Department, $445.98; Street Department, $4,943.64; Recrea-
tion Department, $2,026.69; Golf Course Department, $737.90; Park Department,
$3)079.72, Store Department, $777.85; Social,Service Department, $29.77;
East Bay Municipal Utility District, $2,460.53; Encinal Avenue Improvement
Fund, $429.20; Street Improvement Fund, 32776.98; Gas Tax No. 1 Fund, .14.87;
Special Street Lighting Fund, $931.51.
Councilman Howe moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the
City Clerk on June 18, 1946, and presented to the Council at this time, be al-
lowed and paid. 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.
ADJOURNMENT:
39. Councilman Howe moved the Council adjourn in respect to the memory of Mrs.
P. S. Barton, to assemble in adjourned regular session on Friday evening, June
28, 1946, at 8:00 o'clock. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and
carried.
. Respectfully triiitted,
y Clerk