1937-03-16 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, MARCH 16th .. . ... 1937
The meeting convened at 8 o'clock P.M. with President Eschen presiding.
The roll was called, and Councilmen Calcutt, Maurer, Morris, Weichhart and es-
ident Eschen, (5), were noted present. Absent: None.
MINUTES:
The minutes of the regular meeting of March 2nd, 1937, were approved as transcribed.
1. Councilman Morris moved, seconded by Councilman Calcutt and unanimously oarried,
that when the meeting adjourn it do so to meet in Adjourned Regular Session at 7 o'clock
P.M. on March 17th, 1937.
WRITTEN COMNUNICATIONS:
v2. A petition was presented signed by twenty-eight citizens protesting the establishment
of an automobile wrecking plant on the south side of Clement Avenue between Union and
Schiller Streets. The communication was referred to the City Attorney.
/3. From Ford E. Samuel, Postmaster, acknowledging receipt of copy of resolution passed
by the Council on March 2nd, 1937, favoring the establishment of a Branch Post Office
in the Western portion of Alameda and a report of the Special Committee,and informing
the Council that he had sent the papers to the proper authorities of the Post Office
Department in Washington with a letter of endorsement. The communication was ordered
filed.
4. From Frank Whitacre, requesting the Council to grant him a gratuitous license to
sell merchandise from house to house, accompanied by a letter from Mrs. Phyllis McGoskey,
Executive Secretary of the Social Service Board, recommending his request be granted.
The communication was referred to the City Manager.
15• From C. F. Nix, requesting a gratuitous license to sell photographs, on the grounds
of his honorable discharge from the United States Navy for disability. The communication
was referred to the City Manager for his recommendation.
v6. From the City of Cleveland, enclosing copy of resolution passed by its City Council
memorializing Congress to enact the "United. States Housing Aet of 1937". The communica-
tion was ordered filed.
From the Alameda Improvement Club, requesting the Council take under consideration
the securing of right-of-way for an 80 foot roadway from Main Street and Pacific Avenue
paralleling the Southern Pacific Company's tracks to the point where these tracks
enter the easement owned by the City of Alameda on the north side of Benton Field.
The communication was referred to the City Manager.
(/' 8. From the Alameda Improvement Club, recommending that a public address system be
installed at Washington Park. The communication was referred to the City Manager.
/9, From Powell Bros., Inc., requesting closing of Harrison Avenue from the easterly
line of Pearl Street approximately 203 feet northeasterly on Harrison Avenue to the
easterly line of their property. On motion of Councilman Morris, seconded by Council-
man Weichhart and unanimously carried, the communication was referred to the City
Attorney, the City Manager and the City Engineer for investigation and report.
AO. From a number of individuals in Oakland and Alameda, protesting the alleged
extreme Police violence against union pickets and non-participating citizens, in the
vicinity of the California Packing Corporation, Alameda, on Wednesday evening, March
10th, 1937, A motion was made by Councilman Morris, that the Council go on record
as commending the Police for their courageous action at the time mentioned in the
communications. There being no second, the-communications were ordered filed.
/11. From the Mayor of the City of Berkeley, extending an invitation to the Mayor
and Council to attend the formal opening of the Berkeley Yacht Harbor on May 8th and
9th, 1937, and also to participate in the parade on May 8th. The City Clerk was
instructed to acknowledge the invitation and file it.
/12. From The Veterans' Welfare Board, requesting cancellation of certain taxes on
real property owned by that Board in the City of Alameda. The communication was
referred to the City Attorney.
HEARINGS:
V13, A recommendation was received from the City Planning Commission that the Council
grant a temporary revocable permit to use the premises at 1510 Benton Street as a
boarding house. Councilman Maurer moved that the Council adopt the recommendation,
seconded by Councilman Morris and on roll call carried by the followin vote: Ayes:
Councilmen Calcutt, Maurer, Morris, Weichhart and President Eschen, (5). Noes: None.
Absent: None.
/14. A recommendation was received from the City Planning Commission that the Council
deny the petition for the reclassification of Lot No. 245 in Block "N" of Fernside
Tract, being the southwest corner of Gibbons Drive and High Street, from Residential
District, Class I, to Business District, Class III, to permit the construction and
operation of retail food center. Councilman Maurer moved that the recommendation be
adopted, seconded by Councilman Weichhart and on roll call carried by the following
vote: Ayes: Councilmen Calcutt, Maurer, Morris, Weichhart and President Eschen, (5).
Noes: None. Absent: None.
v15. A recommendation was received from the City Planning Commission, that the Council
grant the petition for reclassification of property known as 1404 Central Avenue, from
Residential District, Class 1, to Residential District, Class 1 3/4 to permit the con-
struction of flats. Councilman Weichhart moved that the recommendation be adopted,
seconded by Councilman Maurer and on roll call carried by the following vote: Ayes:
Councilmen Calcutt, Maurer, Morris, Weichhart and President Eschen, (5). Noes: None.
Absent: None.
OPENING OF BIDS:
16. Opening of bids for the improvement of Otis Drive, as follows:
Heafey-Moore Co.
Accompanied by certified check in amount of $ 3,000.00
Independent Construction Co., Ltd
Accompanied by certified check in amount of
Union Paving Co.
Accompanied by certified
Lee J. Immel
Accompanied by certified
Ransome Company
check in amount of
check in amount of
Accompanied by certified check in
amount of
Fredrickson & Watson Construction Co.
Fredrickson Bros.
Accompanied by certified check in amount of
Hanrahan Company
Accompanied by certified check in amount of
Chas. L. Harney
Accompanied by certified check in amount of
2,800.00
3,300.00
3,500.00
3,100.00
3,100.00
3,500.00
4,000.00
$ 26,130.20
27,009.20
28,758.00
30,240.84
30,695.66
30,965.88
31,055440
33,450.40
The bids were referred to the City Manager and to the City Engineer for their recom-
mendation.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
/17. From the Board of Public Utilities, enclosing copy of resolution No. 226,"Approv-
ing Action of California Railroad Commission in Requesting Budget Increase", and
requesting the Council's cooperation. The communication was ordered filed.
,18. From Mr. Charles W. Griffin, requesting a leave of absence as member of the Board
of Free Library Trustees, for four months from April 1st, 1937. On motion of Council-
man Morris, seconded by Councilman Calcutt and unanimously carried, the request was
granted.
19. From the City Manager, informing the Council that handrails for installation
on the stairway leading from the first to the second floor, and franthe second to the
third floor of the City Hall had been ordered, and will be installed as soon as they
are received. The communication was ordered filed.
/20. From the City Manager, informing the Council that the City Hall Tower had been
further damaged by the recent earthquake shock and that an inspection had been made
by the Building Inspector and also by Mr. Henry E. Dowell and Mr. Austin W. Earl,
Consulting Engineers, who have recommended that the tower be removed to the present
roof level, and also recommended to the Council that the City Clerk be authorized
to advertise for bids for the removal of the tower. Councilman Maurer moved that
the City Clerk be instructed to call for bids for the removal of the tower, and that
Mr. Carl Werner who has already prepared plans and specifications for this work, be -
retained as Architect at a fee of 6 per cent of the total contract price, less the
amount which has been already paid him, amounting to $120.00, seconded by Councilman
Weichhart and on roll call carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Calcutt,
Maurer, Morris, Weichhart and President Eschen, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.-
q'21. From the City Manager, informing the Council that installation of a new pressure
tank for the Municipal Golf Course has been completed, and that the tank is no in
servioe. The communication was ordered filed.
/22. From the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners, recommending that the entrance
salary for Firemen be increased to $160.00 per month'for the first year and that for
the second and subsequent years the maximum salary be paid. On motion of Councilman
Morris, seconded by Councilman Maurer and unanimously carried, the communication was
referred to the City Manager for his recommendation.
/23. From the Board of Public Utilities, recommending that in the proposed new
charter limits of value of stock of resale merchandise be increased from $10,000 to
$20,000, and that the charter include an emergency clause permitting the Board to
make emergency purohases for replacing equipment in unlimited amounts in excess of
$1,000, instead of being bound by the requirement of advertising for bids on pur-
chases in excess of that amount. As the recommendation had already been considered,
the communication was ordered filed.
v24. From R. E. Bosshard, Chairman of the Alameda Charter Committee, submitting its
final report of the Committee, and a draft of the proposed new charter. Councilman
Weichhart praised the Commdttee for its'efforts and conscientious work, and offered
a motion that the report be accepted and filed, action to be deferred until the adjourned
regular meeting of the Council to be held March 17th, 1937, and that a vote of thanks
be extended to the Committee and notification be sent them of the Council's action to be
signed by Mayor Eschen, seconded by Councilman Morris and on roll call carried by the
following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Calcutt, Maurer, Morris, Weichhart and President Eschen,
(5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
/25, From the City Manager, informing the Council that in conferences with the East Bay
Transit Company a route of busses had been established which it was believed would better
serve the majority of residents in the affected area, and recommending that the Council
adopt a resolution concurring in the request of the East Bay Transit Company for this
change in service. Councilman Maurer moved that the City Manager's recommendation be
adopted, seconded by Councilman Morris, and on roll call carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmen Calcutt, Maurer, Morris, Weichhart and President Eschen, (5). Noes:
None. Absent: None.
ORDINANCES INTRODUCED:
26. The following ordinance was introduced and laid over,*under-provision of the
Charter:
"Ordinance No.
New Series
RECLASSInING PROPERTY
(Property Known as 1404 Central Avenue)".
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
v27. Councilman Calcutt called attention to the mention in the minutes of the last meet-
ing of the suggested improvement of Lincoln Avenue by the Southern Pacific Company, and
stated he had been informed that the company was about to expend in excess of $30,000
improving the portion of the roadway for which it was responsible, and suggested that
under the conditions it might be possible to provide for a one-traok street. The City
Managerwas requested to,investigate.
/28. Councilman Calcutt called attention to his previous suggestion that arrangements be
made to install sidewalks on Otis Drive between Mound Street and Bay Farm Island Bridge.
The City Attorney and the City Manager were requested to investigate.
'29. Councilman Calcutt addressed the Council in reference to the manner in which
public service corporations were replacing pavement in connection with service installa-
tions, and suggested an improvement in the method of replacement.
NEW BUSINESS:
130. Councilman Morris moved that the Mayor issue a proclamation requesting business
houses to close between 12 o'clock Noon and 3 o'clock p.m. on Good Friday, March 26th,
1937, seconded by CouncilMan Weichhart and on roll call carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmen Calcutt, Maurer, Morris, Weichhart and President Eschen, (5). Noes:
None. Absent: None.
i31, Mr. J. A. Powell at this time requested permission to address the Council in
reference to the unsatisfactory condition of the intersection of Washington and High
Streets, and was informed by the City Engineer that .due to the fact that Washington
Street had not been accepted, no extensive improvement could be made.
'32. Mr. Daniel Adamson requested permission to address the Council as the representa-
tive of the Workers' Alliance, and proceeded to criticize the Police for their actions
during a disturbance occurring on March 10th, 1937. He was informed by Mayor Eschen
that the Council had no jurisdiction, and that the complaint should be presented to the
Board of Police and Fire Commissioners.
33. Councilman Calcutt addressed the Council in reference to the method of lighting at
street intersections. Mr. Ramanowitz, Commissioner of the Board of Public Utilities
Commission, reported that extensive investigations have been in progress by the Board,
and they are endeavoring to improve the lighting system when the proper plan is decided
upon. Mr. Knoop, Councilman Maurer and Public Utilities Commissioner O'Dea also spoke
on this subject,
34. Councilman Maurer called attention to the difficulty experienced in opening the
front door to the City Hall and was informed by the City Manager that this condition
had been under investigation and it was decided that the only remedy would be to
install a revolving door, and steps were being taken to make such installation.
RESOLUTIONS:
35. Councilman Maurer introduced and moved the adoption of
"Resolution No. 2148
Approving Rerouting of Busses and Extension of Service
in Alameda by East Bay Transit Company",
Councilman Weichhart seconded the motion and on roll call carried by the following vote
Ayes: Councilmen Calcutt, Maurer, Morris, Weichhart and President Eschen, (5). Noes:
None. Absent: None.
36. Councilman Morris introduced and mowed the adoption of
"Resolution No. 2149
Approving Action of California Railroad Commission in
Requesting Budget Increase",
Councilman Weichhart seconded the motion and on roll call carried by the following vote:
ORDIT CES PASSED:
37. "Ordinance No.
New Series
Amending Section 17 -333 of the Alameda Municipal Code",
Councilman Weichhart moved that the ordinance as read be adopted, seconded by Councilman
Morris, and on roll call carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Calcutt, Maurer
Morris, Weichhart and Prestent Eschen, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
38. "Ordinance No.
New Series
Amending Section 17-323 of the Alameda Municipal Code ",
Councilman Maurer moved that the ordinance as read be adopted seconded by Councilman
Morris, and on roll call carried by the following vote: Ayes Councilmen Calcutt, Maurer
Morris, Weichhart and President Eschen, (5) . Noes: None. Absent: None.
39. "Ordinance No.
New Series
Amending Section 17 -341 of the Alameda Municipal Code
by Adding Subsection (7) Thereto",
Councilman Calcutt moved that the ordinance as read be adopted, seconded by Councilman
Weichhart, and on roll call carried by the following vote: Ayes; Councilmen Calcutt,
Maurer, Morris, Weichhart and President Eschen, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
FILING:
40. Report of Financial Requirements for Capital Expenditures of Department of Public
Utilities, by Lester . Ready, Consulting Engineer.
BfiLLS:
41. 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 City Council: General
Departments, $4331.41; Police Department, X11.00; Police and Fire Commissioners: $7.98;
Pound Department, $7.58; Fire Department, ;x`25.93; Street Department, 4305.05; Health'
Department, 554.94; Park Department, 4404.64; Golf Course Department, 41066.11; Store
Department, 77.10; Social Service Department, 4134.57; Initiative Relief Fund, $172.00;
Street Improvement Fund, $409.49.
Councilman Morris moved, seconded by Councilman Calcutt, that the claims and bills
against the City in the amounts as listed and itemized on March 16th, 1937, and present-
ed to the Council at this meeting be allowed and paid. On roll call this motion carried
by the followi vote: Ayes: Councilmen Calcutt, Maurer, Morris, Weichhart and Presi-
dent Eschen, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
42. There being no further business to transact, the Council adjourned to meet in
adjourned regular session on Wednesday evening, March 17th, 1937, at 7 o'clock P.M.
Respectfully submitted,