1946-10-15 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF TEE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 15L_- - - - - - - 1946
The meeting convened at 8:00 P. M. with President Branscheid presiding.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Jones, Osborn and President Branscheid, (3).
Absent: Sweeney, (2).
were noted present. : Councilmen Home and.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
3 From ir. Bob Shand of The Post-Enquirer, congratulating the City of Alameda
President Branscheid expressed his pleasure that the City should be the recipient
of such a congratulatory letter and commended the First Aid Station highly on its
efficiency and courtesy.
The City Clerk was requested to acknowledge this letter and, at the suggestion of
Councilman Osborn, to forward a copy of the letter and also the reply to the staff
at the First Aid Station.
4Y From the Alameda Rod and Gun Club, announcing the opening of a campaign to
abate the further pollution of the waters surrounding the City. The first meeting
will be held. Wednesday evening, October 23, 1946, in the High School Auditorium at
800 o'clock and all Councilmen and other City Officials were invited to attend.
president Branscheid reminded the audience that this matter of water pollution is
one of considerable importance to the City of Alameda and expressed the hope that
there would be a good attendance at the program. He also urged all present to
vote for the bond issue on November 5, which will mean the creation of a new sew-
age disposal district which will effectively take care of the matter of water
pollution in and around. Alameda.
5: From the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda in the matter of the dis-
posal of the Woodstock Housing Project.
The communication, together with several attached bulletins and letters, was
ORAL COYDJUNICATIONS:
6: jr Frank G ottstein addressed the Council and aueried as to whether anything
had been done with reference to the extension of recreational and branch library
services into the housing projects.
Upon being informed that this matter is in the Committee of the Whole and subject
to further study, Mr. G ottstein expressed the opinion that what the housing projects
need more than library and recreational centers is police service and a jail. ile
pointed out that the permanent residents of the City could possibly use additional
branch libraries and that as to recreational facilities for the projects, it was
his belief that if the Federal G overnment could no longer afford to furnish these
facilities, certainly the taxpayers of the City of Alameda were not in a position
to do so.
At this time, Councilman Sweeney arrived at the meeting and was noted present.
OPENING. OF BIDS:
7Y' There were no bids submitted for the furnishing of one new half-ton Pick UP
Truck, in accordance with Specifications and Provisions No. NS 10-46-11.
Councilman Jones moved the City Manager be authorized to purchase this truck in
the open market. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, Sweeney, Osborn and
president T3ranscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Howe, (1).
MINUTES:
1. The minutes of the regular meeting held October 1, 1946, were approved as
transcribed.
From the War Department, United States Engineer Office, giving public notice
of an application filed by the Alameda South Shore Land Company for a War Depart-
ment Permit to do dredging, construct a rock seawall ana fill in the westerly side
of Bay Farm Island.
The communication was ordered filed.
on the efficiency and courtesy of the First Aid Station staff.
ordered filed.
v/
8. A bid was received and read from Jack Erwin Motors in the amount of $2,733.47
for furnishing two 1946 Fordo'. Plymouth DeLuxe Sedans, in accordance with Speci-
fications and Provisions No. MS 10-46-10. The bid was accompanied by a certified
check in the amount of $273.35.
The bid was referred to the City Manager for his study and recommendation. At a
subsequent point in the meeting, Mr. McMillan stated he had made a study of the
bid and found it in order except for the fact that there was some question about
the amount of Federal taxes to be deducted, which he believed could be straightened,
out at a later date. Therefore, he recommended that contract be awarded to Jack
Erwin Motors on the basis of the cars only, with the matter of taxes to be worked
out. He stated that he felt the City was getting a very good deal on the automo-
biles turned in on this transaction.
Councilman Osborn moved the recommendation of the City Manager be accepted and
contract for two new automobiles awarded to Jack Erwin Motors at the bid price
submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried
by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President
Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Howe, (1).
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
9. From John M. O'Dea, member of the Public Utilities Board, requesting permis-
sion to be out of the State for the period from October 13, to November 1, 1946.
Councilman Jones moved O'Dea be granted a leave of absence for the time
specified. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and carried.
10. The City Manager re-ported verbally that when the matter of the proposed con-
struction of a storm sewer along the easterly side of Broadway was originally
planned, the Southern Pacific Company agreed to collaborate in the construction
to the extent of 32% of the cost. This was done quite sometime ago and because
of the rise of the cost of labor and materials, it now develops that the Southern
Pacific Company's participation will be $2,600. in excess of the amount figured
when the estimates were first made. Inasmuch as matters of this sort have to be
cleared by the eastern office of the Southern Pacific Company, Mr. McMillan sug-
gested that the matter of awarding the contract for the performance of this
project be held in abeyance until such time as a definite statement of intention
is had from the Southern Pacific Company on this point.
President Branscheid stated that if there were no objections, the matter would be
laid over to the next meeting of the Council and such order was made.
11. From the City Manager, concerning work on our shoreline beach and park de-
velopment program. He reported that during the present week, the County Master
Plan will be presented to the State Beach and Parks Commission for approval.
Following approval, the City will prepare its application to the Commission for
the allocation of moneys to the City for the acquisition of beaches and shore-
line parks. He recommended that he be authorized to delegate some person to
represent the City of Alameda and attend the meetings of the State Beach and
Park Commission during the next several months to keep in touch with the progress
of the shoreline and park development program.
Councilman Osborn moved the recommendation of the City Manager be followed in
this matter. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and
President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Howe, (1).
12. From the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to Heafey-
Moore Co. for the project of resurfacing Maitland Drive at its bid price of
815,865.
Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that con-
tract for the designated project be awarded to Heafey-Moore Co. and checks be
returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones,
Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman
Howe, (1).
13. From F. J. Croll, President of the City Retirement Board, notifying the
Council of the retirement of Mr. O. A. Wilson, member of the Board and employee
of the Bureau of Electricity, as of September 30, 1946, and requesting the
Council to appoint a new member to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Wilson.
President Branscheid suggested that this matter be referred to the Committee of
the Whole to permit the Council to select a suitable person for this office.
There being no objections, it was so ordered.
14. From the City Manager, recommending that Thomas M. Lane, Chief of the Alameda
Fire Department, be granted permission to attend a Conference of California Fire
Chiefs, to be held at Long Beach from October 27, to 30, 1946, and that a sum not
to exceed $75. be appropriated for his expenses.
Councilman Osborn moved the recommendation of the City Manager be approved; that
Chief Lane be authorized to attend the particular Conference and the sum of $75.
be allocated to defray his expenses. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones,
Osborn, Sweeney and. President Branscheid, M. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman
Howe, (1).
15: A communication was presented from A. Hubbard Moffitt, Jr., tendering his
resignation as a Commissioner of the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda.
Councilman Jones moved this resignation be accepted, effective from the date of
the appointment of Mr. Moffitt's successor. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Sweeney and carried.
President Branscheid stated there was no explanation necessary, as Hr. Moffitt
has been outstanding in his work with the Housing Authority and that a more im-
portant position has been lined up for him.
16:/ The resignation of Alice B. Burke, M. D. , as a member of the Board of Edu-
cation of the City of Alameda, was read.
Councilman Sweeney moved the resignation be accepted with regret. The motion
was seconded by Councilman Jones and carried.
Councilman Sweeney stated that he had known Dr. Burke for many years and believed
she had done a splendid job as a member of the Board of Education. He suggested
that a letter of thanks and appreciation be sent to Dr. Burke on behalf of the
Council.
President Branscheid directed attention to the fact that Dr. Burke has been a
member of the Board of Education for over ten years and expressed the City's ap-
preciation for the fine service she has rendered. He stated that Dr. Burke had
accepted her last reappointment to this Board with the understanding that it would.
Possibly be necessary for her to resign prior to the expiration of her current
term. President Branscheid stated that it was a matter of deep regret that Dr.
Burke felt she could no longer serve on this Board but that the City was most
fortunate in having had the benefit of her services for so long a period of time.
17: From the Nayor, nominating Ur. A. Hubbard Moffitt, Jr. to the office of mem-
ber of the Board of Education of the City of Alameda, to fill the unexpired term
of Alice B. Burke, resigned, which term expires June 30, 1950.
The matter was referred to iTe olutions.“
FINISHED BUSINESS:
18:/ The matter of an appeal from the ruling of the City Planning Board granting
a Use Permit to Elder and Owens, lessees, to store lumber and equipment on a
certain portion of the Southern Pacific Company's property at the foot of Broad
way, was again presented.
Called upon for a report on this matter, Mr. McMillan gave a detailed description
of the location of the property involved , with reference to adjoining and adja-
cent properties in different zone classifications and pointed out that if and
when the City of Alameda runs a street over the present Southern Pacific right-
of-way which goes through this property, it may entail revocation of any Use
Permit which may be granted at this time and cause considerable loss to the les-
sees in the event they choose to erect a shed for the storage of their contracting
equipment. He suggested that it might be well for each member of the Council to
view the property and its surroundings before arriving at any determination as to
the disposition of this appeal. He therefore recommended that the matter be held
in abeyance until the next regular meeting of the Council.
Councilman Sweeney stated that he had gone down to take a look at the property
but was unable to determine just where it lay and felt that the situation should
be viewed from all angles by the individual members of the Council.
Councilman Jones stated he felt this matter was of considerable importance to a
number of people and that no hasty action should be taken upon it. He pointed
out that if the City Manager is unable to recommend a course of action to be fol-
lowed by the Council, it would devolve upon the Council members to inspect the
property and arrive at a fair determination of the questions involved. Council-
man Jones thereupon moved the matter be held over until the next meeting of the
Council and that in the meantime, each member of the Council should inspect the
property. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney.
Mr. E. R. Stewart, representing the protestants in this matter, was present and
when called upon to express his views, reiterated what he had said at the pre-
vious meeting.
Councilman Jones inquired as to whether or not this particular piece of property
had been used for the purpose now in contemplation throughout the war years.
Mr. Stewart replied that the parcel of land in auestion - the triangular lot -
has not been used for this purpose until very recently.
The President thereupon put the question and the motion was carried.
Mr. Elder, a member of the lessee firm, addressed the Council and stated that
any decision made by it, would be entirely acceptable to him and his oNartner.
19. The matter of the approval by the Council of the appointment of Mr. Jack
McLaverty to the office of Commissioner of the Housing Authority of the City
of Alameda was presented.
The matter was referred to "Resolutions."
RESOLUTIONS:
20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3405
In Memoriam of Charles R. Schwanenberg.
"With profound sorrow, the Council of the City of
Alameda records the passing Pf CHARLES R. SCHWANENBERG, who
served the people of the City of Alameda for seven years as
City Manager.
"NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, in recogni-
tion of Charles R. Schwanenbergys faithful and untiring
service, the Council of the City of Alameda hereby expresses
its sens of personal loss and its deep appreciation of Mr.
Schwanenberg's great administrative ability. In his em-
ployment with our City, he gave unreservedly of his talent,
and initiated and pressed to a successful conclusion many
programs which have proven of incalculable benefit to the
City, and
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be
spread in full upon the minutes of this meeting, and that a
copy thereof be transmitted to the family of Mr. Schwanenberg,
that it may extend to them a sincere expression of sympathy
and condolence, and
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that when this meeting of
the Council of the City of Alameda shall adjourn, it shall
do so in respect to the memory of Charles R. Schwanenberg."
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: None. Absent: Councilman
Howe, (1). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and
passed.
Following the reading of this resolution, Councilman Jones suggested that the
minutes of this meeting should show that the City Council is very well pleased
with the beautiful eulogy of Hr. Schwanenberg delivered by William M. Powell,
a City employee. Councilman Jones stated that in his opinion it was one of
the most impressive tributes ever given a man and that the City should feel
proud that it has in its employ a man with the ability of expressing himself
so well.
21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3406
Transferring $8o,000. from the Cash Basis Fund to
the General Fund."
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). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3407
Appointing Commissioner of Housing Authority in
the City of Alameda."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, Osborn, Sweeney
and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Howe, (1).
Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved
its adoption:
"Resolution No 3408
Appointing Member of the Board of Education."
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.
24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3409
Establishing Extra Compensation for First Aid.
Nurses in the Health Department."
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.
FILING:
25. Auditor's Balance Sheet - month ending September 30, 1946.
26. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers & Co., City of Alameda,
as at September 30, 1946.
BILLS:
27. 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, $10,307.14; Civil Service Department,
$15.00; pound Department, $30.93; Police Department, $4,566.84; Fire De-
partment, $2,143.47; Street Department, 82,854.083 Health Department, 8564.16;
Recreation Department, 8798.77; Park Department, 81,820.68; Golf Course De-
partment, $1,157.12; Store Department, $425.78; Social Service Department,
*84.92; Encinal Avenue Improvement Fund, $21,877.12; Gas Tax No. 1 Fund,
8776.45; Geodetic Survey Fund, $10,000.; Special Street Lighting Fund,
3,050.68' Street Improvement Fund, 82 425.3o; Veterans Federal Training
Fund, $6o:6o.
Councilman Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with
the City Clerk on October 15, 1946, and presented at this time, allowed and
paid. The motion 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, M.
20. At this time, the City 'Tanager stated he wished to give a report on the
matter of the model Enthusiasts, remarking that inasmuch as a location pre-
viously arranged for them at the northerly end of the Golf Course had proven
highly unsatisfactory to the golfers, it had been necessary to find another
spot for this activity. He stated he was happy to report that a location
suitable to the golfers and Enthusiasts alike, had been found at a point close
to the City Dump and that work was now underway to put the selected site in
shape for their use. He expressed considerable satisfaction that this matter
had been ironed out to the satisfaction of everybody concerned.
29. Councilman Jones stated that in view of Councilman Howe's faithful attend-
ance at Council meetings, he felt his absence this evening should be explained
and requested the City Manager to make a report on the subject.
Mr. McMillan stated that Mrs. Howe had been quite severely burned earlier this
evening while preparing a dinner for the Boy Scouts in one of the local churches
and that Mr. Howe was at the hospital with his wife.
president Branscheid remarked that the Council was sorry to hear of this unfor-
tunate occurrence and hoped for Mrs. Howe's speedy recovery.
ADJOURNMENT:
30. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council
adjourned in respect to the memory of Charles R. Schwanenberg, former City
Manager of the City of Alameda. The Council will assemble in regular session
on Tuesday evening, November 5, 1946, at 8:00 P. M.
Respec y/S-Ubmitted,