1946-08-20 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 20, 1946
The meeting convened at 8 :00 P. M. with President Branscheid presiding.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President
Branscheid, (4), were noted present. Absent: Councilman Howe, (1).
MINUTES:
1. The minutes of the regular meeting held August 6, 1946, were approved as
transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2. Two communications, dated August 1, and 12, 1946, were presented from the
Senate Committee on State and Local Taxation, concerning the study and investi
gation of tax structures and financial problems of State and Local Governments
and notifying the Council of the date set for a public hearing in the matter.
Following the reading of
the Council instruct him
at the proposed hearing,
the Committee, informing
these communications, the City Manager recommended that
to make an appearance on behalf of the City of Alameda
stating that he had communicated with the Chairman of
him that the City would be represented.
Councilman Sweeney moved the City Manager be authorized and instructed to appear
before this Committee to present the views of the City of Alameda. The motion
was seconded by Councilman Jones and carried.
3. From Harland Bartholomew and Associates, addressed to the City Manager,
submitting a proposal concerning the matter of extending the Oakland Traffic
Survey to Alameda, Berkeley and portions of southern Alameda County, and the
cost of including this area in the study., project.
Councilman Jones moved the City Manager be instructed to contact Bartholomew
and Associates and request that they submit to the City a specific contract
for consideration. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and carried.
President Branscheid stated that it was the belief of the Council that having
this survey made would be a step in the right direction, pointing out that the
City had been trying for many years to solve its traffic and transportation
problems but that no satisfactory solution can be worked out unless all the
municipalities in the East Bay area work in cooperation with each other and
that this over -all survey is probably an opportunity to really study the matter
thoroughly and obtain a complete picture which will lead to a solution of the
problem.
4: From the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, stating that after due deliberation
and conference with retail groups, its Board of Directors had voted unanimously
to recommend to the Council that a City sales tax not be adopted.
Letters protesting against the proposed levying of a local sales tax were also
read from the following: J. D. McIntosh, Tot & Teen Shop, Newspaper and Periodi-
cal Circulators and Drivers Union of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties; E. A.
Clancy, Elsie Clancy and E. A. Clancy, Jr., Herman Sonnenschein (Herm's Men's
Shop) and Bay City Auto Supply.
These communications were ordered filed, to be taken up at such time as a con-
sideration of the matter of sales tax is officially before the Council.
President Branscheid stated that he was glad to have the expression of the mer-
chants and others in this matter and that while the subject has not been offi-
cially considered by the Council, it has been informally discussed. He pointed
out that with the advanced costs in every type of commercial operation, the cost
of Government is likewise increasing and, in the not too distant future, it is
going to be necessary for the City to have additional funds with which to carry
on its operations. Therefore, ultimately, the City will have to devise ways and
means of raising additional revenue. He remarked that the general belief is that
the ad valorem tax has reached its limits and that this may also be true of busi-
ness license fees. Consequently, most of the cities are developing new sources
of revenue.
He stated further that at the present time, it is the belief of the Council that
with our increased population, there are many residents of the City who contri-
bute nothing to the support of the City Government; also, that while the popu-
lation of the City has doubled, the assessed valuation has been materially de-
creased. He stated that it was the intent of the Council to discuss this matter
fully with the merchants and other interested persons as it is the earnest
desire of the Council to work in harmony with this group and with all people
of Alameda and that the matter will be entirely developed within the next
several months.
5'' From the Tax Collector of Alameda County, concerning the sale at public
auction of a certain parcel of tax deeded property situated on the south side
of Buena Vista Avenue, commencing 150 feet west of Oak Street.
Councilman Osborn moved the City Attorney be instructed to inform the County
Tax Collector that the City of Alameda is agreeable to the sale of the property
in question, in conformity with the arrangement worked out by him. The motion
was seconded by Councilman Tones and on roll call carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Councilmen Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4). Noes:
None. Absent: Councilman Howe, (1).
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
6. Mr. Einar Salonen, 617 Pacific Avenue, addressed the Council on the matter
of the subdivision of a bungalow court at that address, remarking that he repre-
sented a group of people who had been renting dwellings in the court and who
have now been ordered to vacate by reason of the fact that the houses have been
sold individually to new owners.
He stated that he would like to know how the court was subdivided by the real
estate firm of Shaw & Lunt without its having obtained a permit from the City
to subdivide it, pointing out that in his opinion such action is in direct viola-
tion of the City ordinance requiring an area of 4,000 square feet in lots on
which houses are built. He stated that the houses have already been sold and
that most of the former tenants have received their eviction notices.
President Branscheid inquired of the City Manager as to just what could be done
in the matter. Mr. McMillan stated that in his opinion all the City could do is
to start abatement proceedings against the individual houses as the City has no
redress against the persons who made the subdivision, - the only remedy available
to the City being the commencement of abatement proceedings against the persons
holding the property.
Councilman Tones stated that he would move the City Attorney be instructed to
immediately investigate the possible violation of the City Ordinance and that if
it is found that there has been such violation, he be authorized to institute the
necessary abatement proceedings to prevent such violation. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Osborn and carried.
President Branscheid stated he felt this was about as far as the City could go in
the matter this evening and that due consideration would be given this whole sub-
ject of the subdivision of bungalow courts.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
7. From the City Manager, recommending that E. H. Rogers, Building Inspector,
be authorized to attend the Conference of Pacific Coast Building Officials at
Victoria, B. C., September 17 to 20, 1946, and that a sum not to exceed 5170. be
appropriated for his expenses.
Councilman Sweeney moved the recommendation of the City Manager be approved; that
Mr. Rogers attend the specified conference and $170. be allocated for his trip.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the fol-
lowing vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid,
(4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Howe, (1).
80 From the City Manager, recommending the granting of the request of Royal R.
Randall, Contractor, for an extension of sixty days within which to complete con-
struction of the Fire Drill Tower.
Councilman Osborn moved the recommendation of the City Manager be adopted and Mr.
Randall be granted the desired extension of time for completion of the Fire Drill
Tower. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and carried.
9. From the City Manager, recommending that John Bowen of the Fire Department,
be given permission to attend the American Red Cross Life Saving and Water Safety
Instructor's course to be held at Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, from August 26, to Septem-
ber 5, 1946, at no expense to the City.
Councilman Tones moved the recommendation of the City Manager be approved; that
John Bowen be allowed to attend the specified course. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Osborn and carried.
10. From the City Planning Board, submitting the Board's recommendation for amend-
ing the Zoning Ordinance to provide for one -hour fire resistive walls for all
garages permitted to be erected out of the required rear yard area and on the side
property line by adjustment of the Board.
Councilman Osborn moved the City Attorney be instructed to prepare the necessary
amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to meet this situation. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Sweeney and carried.
v7
11.
From Chief of Police Doran, submitting his recommendation concerning a pro-
osed change in route of the Key System line 'Zo. 50, recently initiated to give
transportation to the housing projects.
Councilman Sweeney moved the City Manager be requested to write the necessary
letters to the parties involved in this matter. The motion was seconded by Coun-
cilman Tones and carried.
The City Manager stated he has already taken this matter up with the Key System
and Railroad Commission and that there will be no objection to the proposed change.
He stated that the City had decided on these routes and that attention vas called
to the fact that they should come up closer to the business district but that the
City failed to make the necessary changes to conform with this suggestion. There-
fore, the request for the change is entirely in order.
Uh INTST7D :BUSINESS:
12 In the matter of a meeting with the Model Enthusiasts to dispose of their re-
quest for additional facilities for their activities, the City Manager reported
that a thorough study had been made to find a new location for this group.
He stated there were two spots which might be made available for their use. In-
vestigation showed they could not be accommodated in Godfrey Park because of the
fly-casting court and the necessity for fencing because of the proximity to the
children's playground. He stated that the matter had been taken up with the Golf
Commission and that a probable solution had been worked out by the Commissioners
giving this group a space of 340 feet by 100 feet in the northwest corner of the
Golf Course.
He remarked that there is another spot over near the dump which would be entirely
satisfactory for their use except there are no sanitary facilities available and
that when such appliances can be installed it right be advisable to move the group
to this location.
President Branscheid assured the repreentatives of the Model Enthusiasts that the
situation would be improved as i goo s along and it was hoped the arrangements as
presently worked out would be entirely satisfactory.
13: In the matter of the acquisition of property to be used for a parking spa
conjunction with the Veterans' Memorial Building and a meeting to have been helcl .
with the Veterans' Committee, the City Manager explained that by reason of the ac-
tivities of the Veterans in connection with the American Legion Convention in San
Francisco, he had been unable to contact the Veterans' Committee during the past
week.
14: Councilman Jones stated that it had been brought to his attention that there
is considerable dissatisfaction among the residents of Encinal Avenue coneerning
the time the job of reconstructing this street is taking and that he would like to
be informed by the City Fngineer about the matter. He stated that naturally it is
very disturbing to the residents along this street to have this work dragged out
and asked, through the -President, that the City lq]ngineer be requested to report on
the situation.
Mr. 7roerer stated that sortie delay had been encountered - principally due to the
inability efsthe contractor to secure certain materials, mainly form lumber and
concrete. He stated that the lumber situation has now been worked out but that
in some cases the forms have been ready for as long as two weeks before the con-
tractor was able to get the concrete. He remarked that this job 15 not been done
in the conventional manner for the reason that the City is utilizing the material
on the ground which will make for a better base construction. He pointed out that
it was necessary to strip the bituminous surface, stock pile the reclaimed material
and then grade and blend it with new material in order to get the proper base.
This process is much slower than doing it in the ordinary manner - but it will re-
sult in a very groat saving in the cost of the project. He stated that the grading
is now being done in the last block. Stabilization of the base began today and the
street will shape up rapidly from this point on providing the Contractor can secure
the necessary materials when he needs them.
He pointed out that the job is well within the time limit - which is set at Novem-
ber 9, and he believes the project will be entirely completed by October 15 -
Pproximately one month ahead of schedule.
NEW BUST, S:
15, Councilman Tones brought up the matter of the proposed rate increase by the
yey System, stating that he believed it was necessary for the City Thnagor to re-
ceive some authorization from the Council in this matter and that 111 line with the
thought previously expressed he would move that the City Attorney and City
1:anager be authorized to attend the hearing in this matter to see that the in-
terests of the City are safeguarded and also to make known our desires concern-
ing the improvement in transportation - and to make such improvement of our
transportation facilities a condition to our approval of the Key System's re-
quest for a rate adjustment. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney
and carried.
mr. 17c1Ti1lan inquired as to whether or not he was to understand that he and the
City Attorney were to appear at the hearing with the proper letters stating that
we have not been able to make a complete analysis of the Key System's financial
position but that we are demanding that the Alameda service be increased. He
was assured that, this was what was desired.
RESOLUTIONS:
16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
uResolution No. 3369
Designating Certain Lands for Street or Highway
Purposes as ',Atlantic Way.”
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and
President Branscheid, (4) . Noes: rone. Absent: Councilman Howe, (1). There-
upon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution NO. 3370
Designating Certain Lands for Street or Highw
purposes as "Lincoln Way.
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and
President :Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Howe, (1). There-
upon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution Ho. 3371
Designating Certain Lands for Street or Highway
Purposes as ',Tilden Way."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll
call carried by he following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and
president Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Howe, (1). There-
upon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
As each of the three foregoing resolutions was offered, the City Manarer described
on the map the exact location of the designated street.
In moving the adoption of the resolution designating that certain street as "Tilden
War, Councilman Osborn explained that in naming this street, it was done with the
idea of honoring one of our citizens who is looked up to and respected by everybody
who has ever known him, Major Tilden, and that it was with a great deal of plea-
sure that he moved the adoption of this resolution.
19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No 3372
Submitting to the Voters of the City of Alameda an
Ordinance Entitled, "An Ordinance Authorizing the
Council of the City of Alameda to Accept the Surrender
of and to Cancel a Lease of Certain Tide and SUbmerged
Lands between the City of Alameda, as Lessor, and Alaska
Packers Association, as Lessee"; and Calling a Special
Municipal Election to be Held in Said City on Tuesday,
November 5, 1946, for the Purpose of Submitting the
Aforesaid Ordinance to Voters of Said. City; and Consoli-
dating Said Election with the State Biennial Election
to be Held November 5, 1946.0
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on
roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and ?resident Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman
UOwe, (1). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted .
and passed.
This matter was fully explained by tne City Manap;er and he pointed out that
certain advantages would. accrue to the City by the passage of the proposed
[ ordinance, to wit: That the new lease would contain a clause under which
the City would receive the entire proceeds coming out of any condemnation of
the property and also that the City would receive some ,twenty-five to fifty
thousand dollars more as rental of the premises over the new period.
Through a question propounded by Councilman Sweeney, it was developed that the
special election provided for in this resolution would entail no expense to the
City inasmuch as Alaska Packers Association had agreed to defray the entire
cost of the election and had deposited with the City the sum of 2,500. for
that purpose.
20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved it
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3373
Creating a Special Fund to be Known as "Special
Municipal Election Fund" and Depositing the Sum
of Twenty-five Hundred Dollars Therein.."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on
roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and President Pranscl-eid, (4). Poes: None. Absent: Councilman Howe,
(1) . Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
21. "Ordinance No. 899,
New Series
An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding
Section 34 to Ordinance No. 725, Few Series."
councilman Jones moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The Notion was seconded
by councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Coun-
cilmen Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None.
Absent: Councilman Howe, (1).
FILING:
22. Annual Financial Report - Goodell, Byers Henry - Public Utilities
Board, for year ending June 30, 1946.
BILLS:
23. 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, 5,040.39; Civil Service Department,
45.68; pound Department, ::,82.69; Police Department, ,''51,611.34; Fire De-
partment, 666.19; Street Department, Vr,d.,>0.9- ; Health Department, 452.42;
Recreation Department, ,490.35; Park Department, ;5,1,081.16; Golf Course
Department, ',;813.04; Social Service Department, ?57.85; Store Department,
1,512.20; Special Street Lighting Fund, 0„793.51; East Pay Liunicipal
Utility District Fund, 0_966.33; Street Improvement Fund, $1,752.75;
Encinal Avenue Improvemeni Fund, $36. 68; Fire 1117111 Tower Fund, 148.
Councilman Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the
City Clerk on August 20, 1946, and presented to the Council at this time, be
allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and
President 3ranscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Howe, (1).
ADJOURNI\TET2TT:
24. There being no further busineo,, to come before thc meeting, the Council
adjourned to assorlble in regular session on Tuesday evening, September 3, 1946,
at 8:00 o?clock.
Respect ,bmitted,