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1946-07-16 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING JULY 16, - 1946 The meeting convened at 9:45 P. M. with President Branscheid presiding. ROLL CALL: The roll was called. and. Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn and. President Brans- cheid, (4), were noted present. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). MINUTES: 1. , The minutes of the regular meeting held. July 2, 1946, . were approved a transcribed. WRITThThT COIF ONS : 2. From Mr. Grahame H. Hardy, 1416 Ninth Street, requesting that action be taken by the City of Alameda with regard to rental control. After the communication had been read, President Branscheid stated that if there were no objections, a discussion of the rental control situation would be held later on in the meeting. From the Honorable Fitch Robertson, Mayor of the City of Berkeley, suggest- ing the formation of a Transportation Committee, composed of representatives of the eleven East Bay Cities served by Key System, to deal with Key System on the present needs and future development of transportation in this area. President Branscheid stated that he had had a talk with Mayor Robertson concern- ing this matter and recommended that some action be taken by the Council to cooperate with the City of Berkeley to get the suggested Committee started. He stated he would be glad to appoint somebody to act as Alameda? s representative if the Council would give him permission to do so. Councilman Jones moved the Mayor be given authority to appoint a person of his own selection to serve on the suggested Committee with the representatives of the other East Bay Cities. The motion was seconded by Councilman Howe and carried. 41 From the Alameda Citizens Transportation Association, on the subject of Key Systemts contemplated change from street cars to busses on College and. Alcatraz Avenues in Berkeley. City Manager McMillan stated that the Association had had the meeting with the Key System, which was mentioned in the letter, and the only item he had to report on was the fact that he had had a meeting with the Key System officials and worked out a system of transportation for the Estuary and Encinal Housing Projects, which plan would be submitted to the Railroad Commission for its approval. Concerning the substitution of busses for trolley cars on the College and Alcatraz lines, Mr. McMillan stated that it is his belief that the Key System intends to substitute gasoline busses for the present electric cars but that the busses would be of a smaller type which would not be suitable for augmenting the service in Alameda. He recommended that this letter be placed on file and referred to the person appointed to serve with the general Transportation Committee suggested by Mayor Robertson of Berkeley. In this connection, Mr. McMillan said that in the matter of the substitution of busses for electric cars, the Key System had asked an ex parte hearing before the Railroad Commission, but indicated that the Commission would probably ask that open hearings be held on this question. On the over-all transportation subject, Mr. McMillan stated that the Railroad Com- mission is taking a vacation during the month of July and the hearing on the in- crease in rates will not be set until after the opening session in August, and the date determined upon at that time will be one which will give all interested par- ties sufficient opportunity to make full preparation for a presentation of their protests before the Commission. The President thereupon ordered the communication filed. Councilman Jones stated he had been informed that the City of Richmond has filed a protest against the substitution of busses for street cars on the two lines named, basing its protest on the grounds that the busses to be used on these lines should be placed in service in Richmond inasmuch as these lines mentioned presently have trolley car transportation. 5. Copy of a resolution adopted by the Central Labor Council of Alameda County was presented, in which that Body placed itself on record as opposing the levying of a sales tax by cities and counties. The copy of the resolution was ordered filed. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 6. Councilman Jones moved that in order that other business on the calendar might be disposed of with dispatch, uOral Communications" be placed at the foot of the agenda, which would also allow a proper amount of time for a discussion of the rental control matter. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and carried. HEARINGS: 7' the matter of the Abatement of a Nuisance at premises known as 2044 Alameda Avenue, on which property is situated a dilapidated building which Building Inspec- tor Rogers has condemned as a public nuisance. City Manager McMillan asked that this matter be put over until the next meeting of the Council as the nuisance complained of is now under process of being abated and that by the date of the next meeting it can probably be reported on as having been entirely cleared up. He stated he felt, however, that the Council should retain control of the situation by allowing the matter to remain open. councilman Osborn thereupon moved that this matter be laid over to the next regular meeting of the Council to be held August 6, 1946. The motion was seconded by Coun- cilman Jones and carried. OPENING OF BIDS: 8: Bids were presented and read for the furnishing of Crusher Run Base, in accord- ance with Specifications and Provisions No. NS 7-4 -8, as follows: From Heafey-Moore Company - - - - - - - Accompanied by certified check in amount of From Thomas L. Walsh and. Rodger Reed - - - Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of Cf, ,2.15 per ton 600.00 e 2.15 per ton 500.00 The bids were referred to the City Manager and City Engineer for further study and report. REPORTS OF. COTiTTITILES: 9:/ From Fire Chief Lane, transmitting a letter of appreciation, signed by all members of the Fire Department, thanking the Council for the recent increase in pay granted them. The letter was ordered filed. 10Y From Police Chief Doran, listing articles now in possession of the City Trea- surer as lost, stolen or unclaimed property. The matter was referred to uResolutions.0 11: From City Engineer Froerer, requesting Council approval of Specifications, Special Provisions and. Plans for the Bay Farm Island Sewer System. At the request of Councilman Jones, the City Engineer explained the reasons for asking for approval of these plans and specifications, stating that they would have to be approved before further Federal funds for the completion of the project would be forthcoming. He stated, however, that the City was not prepared to go ahead with the work at the present time and that therefore, the project should not be opened for bids. Councilman Osborn thereupon moved that the Council approve the plans as submitted by the City Engineer. The motion was seconded by Councilman Howe and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn and President Branschejd, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 12: Mr. McMillan reported on the accuisition of property for a parking space for the Veterans' 1,Temorial Building, stating that the City is now negotiating for property to the east and north of the building but that certain complications in the way of mortgages on one of the parcels have arisen and the matter is not yet ready for submission, and therefore asked that the matter be laid over. He stated further that the property on the west side of Walnut Street which has been under contemplation will not be usable by the City for this purpose. President Branscheid ordered that this matter be laid over until the next regular meeting of the Council. RESOLUTIONS: 13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3351 Cancelling City Taxes on Property of the United States of America.11 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 and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 14. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3352 Authorizing City Treasurer to Dispose of Lost, Stolen or Unclaimed 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 and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3353 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 and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3354 Approving and Endorsing the Plan Developed by East Bay Municipal Utility District for Sewage Disposal in East Bay Cities." 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 and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. In connection with this resolution, President Branscheid stated that he felt everybody should be greatly pleased with the progress being made toward the com- pletion of a sewage disposal plan, pointing out that prior to the war there was great concern about this problem, with very little progress being made toward its solution - but that since the war, excellent progress is being made. He stated that the surveys have all been made and that it now becomes the duty of every person interested in public health to get behind this project and do everything possible to see that it goes over when it comes up on the ballot. He pointed out that consummation of this disposal plan would eliminate the many disadvantages we have endured for many years and would make available the water around the Island Adopting Specifications for Furnishing Four (4) New 194 or 1947 Four-Door Sedans and/or Two-Door Sedans to the City of Alameda, Calling for Bids and Directing the City Clerk to Advertise the Same." for swimming and beach purposes. Councilman Osborn spoke briefly on the subject, emphasizing that this sewage dis- posal problem is one that has to be met either by the interested cities themselves or by the State Department of Health, which latter body has expressed its deter- mination to have this situation cleared up if it has to step into the picture and do it for the cities, at their expense. He urged that everybody get out and work to the end that the required number of votes will be cast approving the plan and expressed his opinion that it would be handled muchmore satisfactorily by the East Bay Municipal Utility District than it would be under State supervision. 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3355 Authorizing Execution of Contract with Alameda Chamber of Commerce for Advertising for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1947, and Appropriating $3,000. for Such Purposes." 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 and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). 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. 3356 Authorizing Filing of Disclaimer in Condemnation Action Instituted by the United States of America." 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 and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 19. "Ordinance No. 897, New Series An Ordinance Au thorizing the Surrender and. Cancellation of Leases between City of Alameda and United. Engineering Company, a Corporation; and Authorizing Leasing Certain Tide and Submerged Lands to United Engineering Company, a Corporation; Approving the Form and Terms of Said Lease and Authorizing Execution Thereof." Councilman Osborn moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was secon- ded by Councilman Howe and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). At the request of Councilman Jones, the purposes of this ordinance and the ad- vantages accruing to the City through its passage were explained by City Manager McLrillan. At this point the meeting was referred back to "Oral Communications." ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 20 President Branscheid stated that the Council would now go into the matter of rental control and requested the City Manager to make a report of nis findings concerning this situation. Mr. McMillan stated that at the request, of the Council he had compiled all avail- able data concerning the rental increase situation in Alameda. He stated that up to the present time, by using every method available for gathering this informa- tion and considering all communications received on the subject, he could report on twenty separate locations throughout the City that have been the sources of complaints. He stated that one of these is the Casa Blanca Apartments, the letter of protest in that particular case bearing twenty signatures. He pointed out, however, that there is nothing in the petition accompanying the communication to indicate that the rental increases have been in this particular building. He stated that his information was to the effect that the average increase in the Casa Blanca is in the neighborhood of twenty-five per cent. As to the over-all picture, he stated that the increases in Alameda do not begin ) to compare in number with those in Oakland. He pointed out that there are several cases of drastic increases in Alameda but that in most of these cases the notice of increase in rental has been accompanied by a notice of eviction, the conclusion being that the rent has been increased for the obvious purpose of getting the tenants off of the premises. At the conclusion of the City Manager's report on the situation, President Brans- cheid invited comments from the audience. Hr. John B. Feretti responded, stating that he is the owner of several houses in the City and that most of his tenants had been in them a great number of years - some, as many as twenty-five years. He stated that he hadnot raised the rent of any of his properties and had no intention of doing so while the present tenants remained, but he pointed out that, in view of the fact that he is renting six-room houses for $25. and 30. per month, if the present tenants should move out, he felt he should be permitted to increase hia rentals in a reasonable amount. At the present rentals, he stated he cannot afford to properly maintain the buildings because of the high cost of labor of all types. In conclusion, he stated it was his belief that whatever the Council might do in this matter, it should not make a cast iron law, throwing the good landlords in with the bad. Mr. Frank Gottstein spoke on the subject, expressing the hope that the Council would not pass any ordinance on this subject and offered the opinion that the exorbitant raises in rentals are for the purpose of getting rid of undesirable tenants. Mr. Jack Collins, tenant in the Casa Blanca Apartments addressed the Council, outlining the situation obtaining in that building. Mr. W. H. Robinson, President of the Alameda County Apartment House Association, addressed the Council, stating that if the Council felt itself justified in pass- ing a rental control ordinance, it would be entirely satisfactory to the Asso- ciation and that it would back up the Council in whatever was done. He stated that this Association has been requesting of its members that they not increase rentals in excess of fifteen per cent and offered his opinion that in some cases this would be too much and in others, not enough. Mr. C. C. Howard also addressed the Council, offering it as his opinion that this was not a matter for legislation but a matter of people getting along together and dealing fairly with each other. There being no further comments from the audience, President Branscheid summarized the matter by stating that it is the duty of the Council to take some action in any situation where action is required and that this Council would hold itself in readiness to act in the event any definite emergency might arise. He stated that the State of California definitely has under consideration the enactment of a statute covering this situation, or that the Federal Government may take some steps - but that the Council would be ready to enact such legislation for the protection of the tenants as well as property owners, if conditions might war- rant it. He emphasized that the Council definitely will not permit a run-away situation to arise. Councilman Jones stated that he thought it would be well to assure the people that the contemplated City ordinance will be taken up for consideration not later than July 30, so that residents of this City will not be subject to evic- tion pending action by the State. He pointed out that the ordinance under con- sideration at the present time will expire on August 31, 1946, and that it would be merely a stop-gap piece of legislation pending action by the State or Federal Government. FILING: 21. Auditor's Balance Sheet - month ending June 30, 1946. 22. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers & Henry - City of Alameda, as of June 30, 1946. 23. Specifications - For furnishing four Sedans to Police Departnent. 24. Specifications - Special Provisions and Plans - Bay Farm Island Sewer System. BILLS: 25. An itemized. List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the several departments thereof in the total amounts as follows, was presented to the Council at this time: General Departments, $5,966:94; Police Department, $1,001.75; Civil Service Department, $82.82; Fire Department, $291.24; Street Department, $762.21; Health Department, $167.69; Recreation Depart- ment, $314.46; Park Department, 8682.37; Golf Course Department, $480.51; Store Department, $173.03; Social Service Department, $20.47; Gas Tax No. 1 Fund, $250.; Fire Drill Tower Fund, $1,146.; Police & Fire Pension Fund, $15. Councilman Howe moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on July 16, 1946, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn and Presi- dent Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). At this point, City Manager McMillan asked that the meeting be referred back to "Reports of Committees." REPORTS OF C OMMI TTEES : / v/ 20. Mr. McMillan stated that the bids received for furnishing Crusher Run Base were identical in price and that both bidders are known to the City Engineer. He stated that one of the bidders is an Alameda firm and it would be his recom- mendation that the contract be awarded to the Alameda bidders, Thomas L. Walsh and. Rodger Reed. Councilman Osborn thereupon moved the recommendation of the City Manager be adopted; that contract be awarded to the above mentioned co-partners and 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 and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). Councilman Osborn stated that he was heartily in accord with the recommendation of the City Manager and glad to see the business going to Alameda men and hoped that in the future every attempt would be made to place City business with Alameda residents. ADJOURNMENT: 27. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Counci adjourned to assemble in adjourned regular session on Tuesday evening, July 30, 1946, at 8:00 o'clock. Respectfully sUbmitted, 6 C.. y Clerk