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1945-09-18 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAIEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING SEPTEMBER 18, - - - 1945 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 Presi- dent Branscheid, (7), were noted present. Absent: None. MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held September 4, 94 were approved as transcribed. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Robert W. Be1ey addressed the Council on the matter of amending Fire Zone Ordinance No. 727, New Series, to permit him to lease certain property owned by him within Fire Zone No. 1 - situated on the northwest corner of Webster Street and Taylor Avenue - for service station purposes. The President informed rr. Begley that inasmuch as his request would necessitate the amending of an ordinance, the matter .must be given considerable study and that with the consent of the Council, the matter would be referred by him to the City Panager Cor investigation and report. 17r. Begley filed with the City Clerk a prepared statement which he used in con- nection with his remarks to the Council. 3. Yr. Frank Gottstein addressed the Council on the matter of postwa works, urging the construction of a beach and playground at Washington public ark. OPENING OF BIDS: 4:/ Bids were presented and read for the furnishing of a Triple Combination Pump- ing Engine for the Fire Department, in accordance with Specifications and Provi- sions therefor No. 9-4-5-7, as follows: From American-LaFrance-Foamite Corporation - - Accompanied by certified check in amount of - From Mack-International. Motor Truck. Corporation Accompanied by certified check in amount of From. The Seagrave Corporation - - - - - Accompanied by certified check in amount of - From Peter Pirsch Sc Sons Co. - - - - - - - Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - 2,154.45 1,250.00 13,959.33 1,450.00 12,104.22 1,300.00 12,344.3.5 1 500.00 These bids were referred to the City Manager for study and recommendation. REPORTS OF COEMITTEES: 5: From Public Utilities Board, recommending that an ordinance be adopted by the Council, requiring that a Certificate of Competency be submitted by any applicant for an "Electrical Contractor's License" in the City of Alameda, in order to ex- clude inexperienced. and incapable men from obtaining a license and operatin in. the City. This matter was referred to "Ordinances for Introduction." G. From the City Manager, recommending that E. H. Rogers, Building Inspector, be authorized to attend. meeting of State Building Inspectors to be held in Fresno, September 26, 27 and 28, 1945, and that $50. be appropriated for his expenses. Councilman Jones moved the recommendation of the City Manager be approved; that Mr. Rogers be allowed to attend the above specified meeting and $50 be allocated for his expenses. 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. 7( From the City ranager, recommending that A. R. Cranston, Plumbing Inspector, be authorized to attend the Conference of the Pacific Coast Plumbing Inspectors to be held, in Los Angeles on October 9, 10 and 11, 1945, and that $50. be appro- priated for his expenses. Councilman Osborn moved the recommendation of the City Manager be approved ; that Yr. Cranston. be permitted to attend the above mentioned conference and $50. be ,!!,,1 427 allowed for his expenses. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. c. From the City Manager, recommending that Police Sergeant H. D. Manbert be be authorized to attend a police school in Los Angeles during the week of October 8 to 13, 1945, and that ‘,100. be appropriated for his expenses. Councilman Osborn moved the recommendation of the City Manager be approved; that Sergeant Manbert be granted permission to attend this special school and 1.100. be allocated for his expenses. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. From Daniel H. Knox, ?olice Judge, requesting permission to attend the Con- vention of Justices and Constables to be held in Monterey on October 11, 12 and 13, 1945, and authorization to file his expense account therefor. Councilman Howe moved Jude Knox be granted permission to attend the above speci- fied convention and that the usual maximum per diem allowance of $10. be allowed for his expenses. 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. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 10. Councilman Osborn introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding to Article 1, Chapter 2, Title X Thereof, a. New Sub-Section No. 10- 221(r) , and Amending Section 10-221 of Article 2, Chapter 2, Title X Thereof, and Adding to Said Article 2, Chapter 2, Title X Thereof, New Sectione. Numbered 10-2211 to 10-2220, Both Inslusive." NEW BUSINESS: 11v. Councilman Jones introduced the subject of the difficulty experienced by Alameda citizens in availing themselves of the services of the Motor Vehicle De- partment and outlined in detail a recent experience of his own in connection with procuring his driver's license, stating that this small matter of business re- quired his waiting in line for one and one-half hours. He stated that he had comniained to the Chief -inspector of the Oakland office where this occurrence took place and told him that he would bring the subject up before the Council meeting and offer the recommendation that the City. Manager call the matter to the attention of Mr. Garland, head of the Motor Vehicle Department. Councilman Jones stated he felt the City of Alameda should have an office of the Motor Vehicle Department and that we should make known our needs. He pointed out the state of affairs in Oakland, indicating that they are not at all satisfactory to the citizens of Alameda. He thereupon moved that the Council go on record to the effect that it desires immediate improvement in the conditions obtaining in the Oakland office of the Motor Vehicle Department and that the- City Manager be instructed to write to Mr. Garland, Chief of the Motor Vehicle Department, out- lining these matters. The motion was seconded. by Councilman Sweeney and unani- mously carried. Upon being requested by Councilman Jones to elaborate on the matter, City Manager McMillan stated that the subject has been up for discussion numerous times. Ile pointed out that eas rationing is now off and that inasmuch as the financing of the department is based on the as tax and license fees, it would appear that now is an opportune time to start working for an office in th.e City of Alameda and indicated his desire to include this item in the letter requested. to be written. Councilman Jones thereupon stated that with the permission of Councilman Sweeney, who seconded the motiofl .. already carried, he would amend the motion to include the request for a Motor Vehicle Department office in Alameda. 12. The City Manager introduced the subject of shoreline planning, stating that one of the requisites in asking for State aid. is that the County Planning Commis- sion and the County Board of Supervisors adopt a beach and shoreline plan. Ee stated the Plan is new prepared and that the map insofar as it effects Alameda had been altered as suggested, so that certain lands are shown as private and some as public beaches. The City Manager requested a minute order authorizing him to take this matter up with th.e County Planning Commission so we would be in a position to apply for State aid. fie outlined briefly the provisions of the act stating that under the act, we can. substitute beaches as owned by the City for financing the improvements thereon and that the financing would be on a fifty-fifty matching basis - the City being in a position to contribute anything it owns toward the development of the beaches as its bait of the financing. Councilman Sweeney moved that the recommendation of the City Manager be approved and. that he be authorized and empowered to present this matter to the proper authorities on behalf of the City. The motion. was seconded by Councilman Howe and unanimously carri ed. 13. The City Manager introduced the subject of transbay transportation, stating that during the past week a partial study of the operation of the Key System in Alameda has been made. He pointed out briefly the highlights resulting from the study and stated those portions of the report showing a failure on the part of the Key System to maintain schedules had been taken up with the proper Key System officials. He said that the Fey System, in response to the complaints registered by his office, had indicated that the lack of manpower which it, claims still continues, is largely responsible for the failure of the service where it has occurred and that the most serious thing-happening to interfere with proper service has been the failure on the part of shipyards and other industries to maintain staggered hours of starting and quitting work. Everybody in these yards is now turned loose at one time, with the result that it has increased the difficulties of operation and has consider- ably slowed down schedules. Mr. McMillan stated that by actual count there are now thirty buses being operated on the Alameda-San Francisco run. As to the San Francisco bus loading zone on Fremont Street, he reported that this construction has been held up pending approval of the Toll Bridge Authority - the Authority wishing to know why, if the Key System is willing to erect such a load- ing zone for Alameda, it should not do the same for Berkeley, Oakland and all other communities. Mr. McMillan stated, however, that Mr. Purcell, head. of the Toll Bridge Authority, had promised to push the matter through as soon as possible and the Key System, will start construction as soon as the necessary approval is obtained. Tr. --,. Ti. Sanford, President of the Alameda Improvement Club, interjected a few remarks concerning the transportation situation, stating that as early as 6:15 a. m. it is generally most difficult to obtain a seat on the bus at the point where he boards it. Councilman Sweeney stated that he believed the Council should let the people know that something is being done about the situation. He informed the Council that at the next meeting a group of commuters will wait on the Council to voice its disapproval. Yr. Gottstein again addressed. the Council, stating that he, too, felt there should be some publicity regarding the investigation of the transportation situation. He also discussed the matter of keeping slow traffic out of the Tube, pointing out that with five-mile-per-hour trucks passing through the Tube, transportation sche- dules could not possibly be maintained. 14. Mr. Gottstein also again brought up the question of the tow car at the Tube and Er. McMillan informed him that following their recent discussion of this matter he (McMillan) had taken, the subject up with the proper officials who told him the tow car was supposed. to be kept at the Tube during the peak hours ar b. that this was being done. President Branscheid stated that on behalf of the Council, he was very glad to be able to report that the transportation problem was being given close attention, adding that if the City keeps working at it, it will be in a position to get the necessary relief as soon as it becomes available. RESOLUTIONS.: 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved its adoption: "Resolut ion Ho. 3214 Designating Certain Streets in the City of Alameda as Streets of Major Importance." 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 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 Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3215 Approving First Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement for Expenditure of 1/4 Cent as Tax Allocated for State Highways." 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 President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3216 Creating One Position of Assistant La bor Supervisor, Two Positions of Sub-Foreman, ositions of Equip- , ment Operator, and One Positiornill P fFainter, in the Street Department of the City of Alameda, Prescribing the Duties and Fixing the Salaries Thereof." • • • This resolution was fully explained by the City Y nager immediately following its being offered for adoption: The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn and. on roll call carried by the foil owing 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 Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3217 Creating an Additional Position of Senior Stenographer- Clerk in the Fire Department of the City of Alameda." 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 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. 3218 Creating the Position of Painter in the City Hall Department of the City of Alameda, Prescribing the Duties and Fixing the Salary 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. 20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3219 Fixing the Salary of the Position of Maintenance Mechanic in the Street Department of the City of Alameda." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilmen 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 President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3220 Fixing the Salary of the Position of Maintenance Mechanic in the Parks and Playgrounds Department of 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 Howe, Tones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (A. Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly- adopted and passed. 22. The following resolution was introduced. by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3221 Fixing the Salary of the Position Head Creenskeeper in the Golf Course Department of the City of Alameda." 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. en t: None. Thereupon the President declared. said resolution duly adopted and passed. 23. The following resolution. was introduced by Councilman Tones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3222 Creatil7W Two Positions of Equipment Operator in the Parks and Playgrounds Department of the City of Alameda, Prescribing the Duties and Fixing the Salary Thereof." 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, (7). Noes: Nene. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 24. The following resolution. was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3223 Fixing the Salary of the Position of Sewer Foreman in the street Department of the City of Alameda." The motion to adept said. resolution was seconded. by Councilman Howe and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Howe, Tones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Eronscheiu, (7). Nees: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution dulz .. adopted and passed. 27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Howe, who moved. its adoption: "Resolution 310, 3224 Creating an Additional Position of Groundskeeper in. the Parks and Playgrounds Department of the city of Alameda and Fixing the Salary 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. 26. The following resolution was introduced. by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3225 Transferring ii50,000.00 from the Casl Fund to the General Fund.." sis The motion to adept 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, (7). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the president declared said resolution duly adopted and passed- 27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn., who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 322 Authorizing City Arttorney to File Brie, as Amicus Curiae." 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. The City Attorney was requested by Councilman Jones to explain the purpose of this resolution and Mr. Whitney stated that all charter cities within the State had been requested by the League of California Cities to intervene in a. suit now pending between the City of San. Diego and the Southern California Telephone Com- pany involving the question of the right of the telephone .company to use the streets of the City of San Diego for the purpose of installing its telephone system without the necessity of first obtaining franchise so to do. 28. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3227 Authorizing Execution of Contract with Kent ec Hass, Architects, for Architectural Services in Connection with New Golf Club Building." 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 and President Branscheid, (A. Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 29. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3228 Authorizing Execution of Contract with Kent Hass, Architects, for Architectural Services in Connection with the Design and Construction of a Drill Tower for the Fire Department of the City of Alameda." 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. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 30. "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Fixing the Rate and. Levying a Tax on All Real and Personal Property in the City of Alameda for the Fiscal Year 1945-46 and Apportioning the Same Among the Several Funds of the City. 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. Thereupon FILING: 31. Memorandum of Agreement - Between City and. State for Expenditure of 1/4 Cent Gas Tax Fund for State Highways. BILLS: 32. 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, $6,645.44; Civilian Defense Department, .$48.48; Police Department, $1,230.57; Civil Service Department, 1",22.69; Pound Department, $40.01; Fire Department, $734.52; Street Department, 186.09; Health Department, 12.5; Recreation Department, $801.63; Federal Recreation Facilities, $376.89; Park Department, $975.86; Golf Course Department, $1,147.02; Store Department, $484.76; Social Service Department, $107.44; initiative Relief Fund, $40.; East Bay :,,Iunicipal Utility District Fund, $2,452.95. Councilman Howe moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on September 18; 1945, 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 Howe, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. ADJOURNMENT: -v/ 33. The City Manager informed the Council that inasmuch as the Lanham Act Funds were no longer available for the operation of the Federal Recreation Facilities, instructions had been issued that the recreation program in the housing srojects be closed as the City itself has no money with which to carry on these operations. He stated that in his opinion, it would be neces- sary to have a Council meeting before the end of the month to authorize pay- ment of all bills incurred by the Federal Recreational Facilities and swgested that the meeting be adjourned to 7:30 F. m. on Monday, September 24, 1945, for this purbose. Councilman Howe therefore moved the meeting adjourn to assemble on Monday evening, September 24, at 7:30 F. M. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. Respectfu'4,0! ler 410 dilffr ir -Y C itted,