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2004-04-20 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY - - APRIL 20, 2004 - - 7:30 P.M. Mayor Johnson convened the regular meeting at 7:48 p.m. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Gilmore, Kerr, Matarrese and Mayor Johnson - 5. Absent: None. AGENDA CHANGES (04 -157) Mayor Johnson announced that her appointment to the Paratransit Advisory Committee [paragraph no. 04 -173] would be held over and her nomination to the Housing Commission [paragraph no. 04 -1741 would be heard after consent calendar items. PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (04 -158) Recognition of the City of Alameda's 150th Anniversary of incorporation, April 19, 1854. Mayor Johnson read a brief statement on the City's history of incorporation; stated that the City's anniversary would be the theme for the 4th of July Parade. (04 -159) Proclamation declaring May 3 -9, 2004 as Mosquito and Vector Control and West Nile Virus Awareness Week. Mayor Johnson read and presented proclamation to David Edwards, Trustee, Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District. (04 -160) Proclamation declaring May 10 -14, 2004 as Girls' Rights Week. Mayor Johnson read and presented proclamation to Susan Adams, President Board of Directors of Girls Inc. of the Island City. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Johnson announced that the recommendation to name the ball field at Upper Washington Park [paragraph no. 04 -162] was removed from the consent calendar for discussion. Vice Mayor Daysog moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 1 April 20, 2004 unanimous voice vote - 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.] ( *04 -161) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings held on April 6, 2004. Approved. (04 -162) Recommendation to name the ball field in Upper Washington Park after A.J. "Lil" Arnerich, former City Vice Mayor, Councilmember, and Recreation and Park Department employee. Kin Robles, Alameda, urged approval of the staff recommendation. Connie Wendling, Alameda, urged Council to name the ball field after Mr. Arnerich. Ken Arnerich, Alameda, thanked the Council for considering the recommendation; stated it would be an honor. Michael Torrey, Alameda, urged approval. Councilmember Matarrese stated that the film "Play Ball" was a good chronicling of Alameda baseball history; that Lil Arnerich was instrumental in setting the groundwork; the City enjoys great baseball teams; that the high school performance level was excellent. Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the staff recommendation. Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. Mayor Johnson requested that congratulations be passed on to Mr. Arnerich and his family. ( *04 -163) Recommendation to authorize the Mayor to send a letter to State Legislators in opposition to Assembly Bill 3007 (Plescia). Accepted. ( *04 -164) Recommendation to accept the Quarterly Sales Tax Report for period ending March 31, 2004 for sales transactions in the fourth calendar quarter of 2003. Accepted. ( *04 -165) Recommendation to accept the work of San Francisco Dry Dock, Inc. for Encinal Re -Power and Refurbishment Project, No. P.W. 04- 02 -05. Accepted. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 2 April 20, 2004 ( *04 -166) Recommendation to amend Agreement with SpenCon Construction, Inc. for the Annual Sidewalk Repair Project, No. P.W. 07- 03 -15. Accepted. ( *04 -167) Recommendation to award Contract in the amount of $331,236 to Textron Financial Corporation for the lease of one hundred fifty (150) electric golf carts for rental use at the Chuck Corica Golf Complex. Accepted. ( *04 -168) Recommendation to approve Contract with MV Student Transportation in the amount of $237,270 and elevation of Program Specialist I position to Program Specialist II in conjunction with Alameda Kids Coach Program. Accepted. ( *04 -169) Resolution No. 13698, "Preliminarily Approving Annual Report Declaring Intention to Order Levy and Collection of Assessments and Providing for Notice of June 15, 2004 Hearing Thereof - Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84 -2." Adopted. ( *04 -170) Resolution No. 13699, "Preliminarily Approving Annual Report Declaring Intention to Order Levy and Collection of Assessments and Providing for Notice of June 15, 2004 Hearing Thereof - Marina Cove Maintenance Assessment District 01 -Ol." Adopted. ( *04 -171) Introduction of Ordinance Approving and Authorizing First Amendment to the Multiple Site Lease Agreement between City of Alameda and American Tower Corporation for Development and Operation of Wireless Telecommunication Facilities on City Property at the Chuck Corica Golf Complex and at Fire Station #4. Introduced. ( *04 -172) Ratified bills in the amount of $1,467,928.12. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (04 -173) Consideration of Mayor's appointment to the Paratransit Advisory Committee. Mayor Johnson announced that consideration for appointment would be continued to the May 4, 2004 Council Meeting. (04 -174) Consideration of Mayor's nomination for appointment to the Housing Commission. Mayor Johnson nominated Heather Trumain for appointment to the Housing Commission. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 3 April 20, 2004 REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (04 -175) Public Hearing to consider an Appeal of the Planning Board conditioned approval of Planned Development Amendment and a Major Design Review for 3241 Garfield Avenue to allow: 1) the construction of a 150 square -foot single -story rear addition; 2) the construction of as maximum 24 -inch tall deck with an attached hot tub; and 3) the construction of a six -foot fence around the side and rear property lines. The site is located within the R -1- PD, One Family Residence Planned Development Zoning District; and (04 -175A) Resolution No. 13700, "Upholding the Planning Board's Approval of Planned Development Amendment PDA03 -0006 and Major Design Review DR03 -0096 to Allow a 150 Square Foot Addition at 3241 Garfield Avenue." Adopted. Mayor Johnson opened the public portion of the hearing. Proponents (In favor of Appeal): Thea Mixon, Appellant; Christina Lonzisero, Alameda; Ayala Lonzisero, Appellant; Joseph Baca, Alameda; Jane Powell, Oakland (submitted pictures); Dan Fichte, Oakland; Tony Vista, Appellant. Opponents (Opposed to Appeal): David Harding, Alameda; Derek Pavlik, Applicant's Builder /Designer; Susan Corlett, Applicant (submitted handout); Lawrence Henderson, Applicant. There being no further speakers, Mayor Johnson closed the public portion of the hearing. Councilmember Matarrese requested a review of setback requirements. The Planner I responded that the rear yard setback for substandard lots in the R -1 District was 200 of the depth of the lot; the minimum required rear yard was 12 feet; the addition met a 12' 6" setback; that under the Planned Development, the setback along the left side of the house was established at 1' 6 "; the Planning Board used the rational under AMC Subsections 30 -5.7 (K) and (L) which allow additions along existing walls as long as no adverse effects such as shading or view blockage would occur. Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether flipping the notch from the northeast corner to the northwest corner would bring the northeast corner of the house within the 12 -foot setback. The Planner I responded in the affirmative. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 4 April 20, 2004 Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether that option would require a variance. The Planner I responded in the affirmative; through the Planned Development amendment process, Council had the flexibility to make determinations for reduced setbacks. Mayor Johnson inquired whether the Applicant was proposing to build closer to the property line, to which the Planner I responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Kerr inquired who owns the driveway, to which the Planner I responded that the driveway was shared by the two property owners; the property at 3243 Garfield Avenue had an easement on the rear of 3241 Garfield Avenue for driveway access. Councilmember Kerr inquired whether the rear lot line of 3241 Garfield Avenue extended into the driveway, to which the Planner I responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Kerr stated that with the easement, there would not be 12 feet of useable space from the northwestern corner of the house; that she was concerned with additions on substandard side yards; extending to 1 foot 6 inches from the lot line takes away the right of the adjacent neighbor to expand; the addition could be done with a lower, peaked roof; that there was massive view blocking; that she does not want to see the City lose the wonderful supply of starter homes. Vice Mayor Daysog inquired what the addition's shading impacts were and how they were determined. The Planner I responded that the Federal Department of Housing and Development's method establishing shading was used; that the shade created by the addition would be a very small increment. Vice Mayor Daysog inquired what was the increment. The Planner I responded approximately 4 to 5 feet of shade on certain days; the loss would be less in winter. Vice Mayor Daysog inquired what the impact would be based on 100 days of morning sunlight. The Planner I responded that he was unable to quantify the amount. Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether the neighbor's bathroom window would be shaded most directly by the roof line, to which the Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 5 April 20, 2004 Planner I responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the homeowner would be willing to give up the storage area window at the rear peak of the house. Mr. Henderson responded that the window provided the only natural light in the room. Councilmember Kerr moved approval of returning the matter to the Planning Board to review a lower roof which matches the lines of the existing architecture. Vice Mayor Daysog stated that the role of the Council was to balance what was right by law with what was good for the community; suggested neighbors work out a compromise. Vice Mayor Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Mayor Johnson stated substantial efforts have been made to resolve issues with neighbors with little progress. On call of the question, THE MOTION FAILED by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog and Kerr - 2. Noes: Councilmember Gilmore, Matarrese, and Mayor Johnson - 3. Councilmember Matarrese stated that the enclosed porches often looked tacked on; a design should be integral with the house. Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the resolution denying the Appeal and upholding the Planning Board decision. Councilmember Gilmore concurred with Councilmember Matarrese; stated that the parties met on several occasions without resolving the matter; stated that the Planning Board's approval of the Planned Development was unanimous. Councilmember Gilmore seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Kerr stated that her motion was not to encourage more negotiation but to have the Planning Board consider a lower roofline. On call of the question, THE SUBSEQUENT MOTION CARRIED by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Gilmore Matarrese and Mayor Johnson - 3. Noes: Councilmembers Daysog and Kerr - 2. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 6 April 20, 2004 Mayor Johnson called a recess at 9:20 p.m. and reconvened the Regular Council Meeting at 9:35 p.m. Mayor Johnson requested that the Public Hearing regarding Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding be addressed prior to the bus shelter matter. (04 -176) Public Hearing to consider recommendation to adopt FY 2004 -05 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan, amend FY2003 -04 CDBG Action Plan and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute related documents, agreements and modifications; and, (04 -176A) Recommendation regarding CDBG public service allocations Mayor Johnson opened the public portion of the hearing. Proponents: Cynthia Wasko, SSHRB; Ed Clark, West Alameda Business Association (WABA); Georgia Madden; WABA. There being no further speakers, Mayor Johnson closed the public portion of the hearing. Councilmember Kerr requested that the funding for the Sentinel Fair Housing be considered as a separate matter. Vice Mayor Daysog moved approval of staff recommendation to adopt FY 2004 -05 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan, amend FY2003 -04 CDBG Action Plan and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute related documents, agreements and modifications excluding funding for Sentinel Fair Housing. Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice vote - 5. Vice Mayor Daysog moved approval of funding for Sentinel Fair Housing. Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Gilmore, Matarrese and Mayor Johnson - 4. Noes: Councilmember Kerr - 1. (04 -177) Recommendation to approve bus shelter locations. The Public Works Director gave a brief presentation. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 7 April 20, 2004 Mayor Johnson inquired the amount of 2003 ridership data AC Transit provided. The Public Works Director responded that most of the locations have 2003 data; that data was not inclusive of all the routes; that staff requested current data from AC Transit; the order of stops was based upon historic data. Councilmember Gilmore inquired who maintains the existing shelters, to which the Public Works Director responded the Public Works Department; that funds are not available to maintain the desired standards. Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether the new stop locations have gone into effect, to which the Public Works Director responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Gilmore inquired what was the dimension differential of a narrow and regular shelter. The Public Works Director responded that a regular shelter was four feet wide; that the narrow shelter was two and a half feet wide. Councilmember Gilmore inquired the number of people a regular size shelter would accommodate versus a narrow shelter, to which the Public Works Director responded the same. Mayor Johnson inquired what the lowest number of riders was on Priority 1 stops. The Public Works Director responded that some Priority 1 locations have no Route "0" data; that the lowest ridership would be Location #25, Ralph Appezzato Parkway at Poggie Street; 1998 data indicated 24 riders; 2003 data, which does not include the data for Route 50, had 10 riders; reviewing historic data and knowing that some major routes are missing, staff interpreted the ridership would exceed 25. Mayor Johnson inquired whether there were any other stops with less than 25 riders. The Public Works Directors responded that #18, West Midway at Pan Am, had 24 riders; that Constitution and Marina Village Parkway had no data available; both locations have been identified as significant ridership locations. Mayor Johnson inquired whether AC Transit collected the data, to which the Public Works Director responded in the affirmative. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 8 April 20, 2004 Councilmember Kerr inquired whether there had been any location change suggested for the Corner of Webster Street and Santa Clara Avenue, to which the Public Works Director responded in the negative. Councilmember Kerr inquired whether Alamedans Responsible for Transit Shelters' (ARTS') ability to choose shelter locations would be influenced by listing shelters as advertising and non - eligible advertising, to which the Public Works Director responded that all the locations would be suitable for non - advertising. Vice Mayor Daysog inquired what mechanism ensured that ARTS had the ability to select a location. The Public Works Director responded that currently there was no mechanism; that the Transportation Commission Subcommittee provided a 3 -tier program which would allow ARTS more time in order to raise funds to install non - advertised shelters; Tier 3 provided for installation of 6 shelters before the raining season; Tier 2 would provide installation of 10 shelters, and Tier 1 would provide the rest. Vice Mayor Daysog inquired when advertising discussions would be completed. The Public Works Director stated that currently there are no negotiations with Lamar; the intent would be to have ARTS raise funds for the purchase, installation and maintenance of any of the locations; that once a location was removed from the list, Lamar would not be allowed to consider the location. Vice Mayor Daysog inquired whether a total of 25 shelters were to be installed, to which the Public Works Director responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Matarrese stated that tonight's purpose was to approve the locations; inquired whether the advertising eligible column reflects whether the site meets the criteria approved by Council at the April 6, 2004 meeting. The Public Works Director responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Kerr inquired when it was decided that privately funded shelters include maintenance. The Public Works Director responded that ARTS' never provided for maintenance in the original proposal; that the Transportation Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 9 April 20, 2004 Commission went with AC Transit's Joint Powers Agreement because the City does not have funds available to adequately maintain the shelters. Mayor Johnson inquired whether the list of 44 locations excludes shelters within the West Alameda Business Association (WABA) and Park Street Business Association (PSBR), to which the Public Works Director responded in the affirmative. Mayor Johnson inquired how many locations are in the WABA and PSBR districts, to which the Public Works Director responded that WABA currently does not have a plan; that there are approximately 5 shelters in the PSBR district. Mayor Johnson inquired why 44 locations were recommended when only 25 would be built. The Public Works Director responded that Council may remove some of the locations from the list. Councilmember Kerr stated that Lamar could base selection on the number of cars going by and not ridership. Mayor Johnson stated shelters need to serve transit riders, not the advertising needs of the vendor. Michael Torrey, Alameda, stated the shelter on Santa Clara Avenue and Grand Avenue was on private property; that Poggie Street and Ralph Appezzato Parkway has high ridership. Richard Neveln, Alameda, urged support of the shelter program; stated that other shelter producers should be investigated. Pat Payne, Alameda, stated that she was opposed to advertising bus shelters. John Knox White, Transportation Commission, stated that the Transportation Commission was working closely with ARTS. Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether site approval would make fundraising easier for ARTS. Mr. Knox White responded sites must be selected in order for any program to move forward. Mayor Johnson stated that Council requested staff to review alternatives to Lamar; not designating shelters as advertising eligible would take away some public concern. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 10 April 20, 2004 Delores Jaquez, AC Transit, urged support of bus shelters; stated AC Transit would soon have counters to track the number of passengers. Brad Nichols, Alameda, stated that he opposed having a bus shelter at the corner of Santa Clara Avenue and Grand Avenue. Mayor Johnson inquired whether the Santa Clara Avenue and Grand Avenue location was Priority 2, to which the Public Works Director responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Kerr inquired whether the bus stops in front of the church, to which the Public Works Director responded the Technical Transportation Team decided not to move it to in front of the church. Cheryl Jones, Alameda, stated that she was concerned about shelters because of vandalism and the lack of maintenance. Mark Hom, Alameda, stated that he opposes having a bus shelter at the southwest corner of Fernside Boulevard and High Street. Norma Wall, ARTS, stated that she opposed advertising bus shelters. Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether site selection would make it easier for ARTS to raise funds. Ms. Wall responded that sites should be selected on the basis of ridership; that the site would dictate the type of design; selection of the location would not help ARTS' fund raising efforts. Councilmember Gilmore stated that designating locations as advertising eligible was good because it raised public concerns. Mayor Johnson stated that Council could approve the list without designating shelters as advertising eligible. Yvonne Keel, Alameda, stated that her umbrella was her shelter. Geraldine Morris, Alameda, stated that Blanding Avenue and Broadway was a bad location for a bus stop; suggested waiting until the shopping center was built; stated that ridership was very low. Mayor Johnson inquired what the passenger count was for the Blanding Avenue and Broadway stop, to which the Public Works Director responded that the 2003 data indicated 113 boardings. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 1 1 April 20, 2004 Miriam Sundheim, Alameda, stated that she supports bus benches and opposes advertising. Bill Smith, Alameda, discussed bus ridership. Jon Spangler, Alameda, urged approval of the bus shelter list recommended by the Transportation Commission. Susan Decker, Alameda Transit Advocates (ATA), urged approval of bus shelters. Golda Mason, ATA, commended staff for the hard work done on site evaluations; urged approval of bus shelter locations. Juliette Bleecker, Alameda, stated that she opposes bus shelters, especially in residential neighborhoods. Blaise Ribet, Alameda, stated that she was fine with having a bus shelter in front of her home, but would not like to see advertising. Reyla Graber, ARTS, updated the Council on financial developments; stated that many individuals have supported shelters without advertising; ARTS now has sufficient funds to purchase 6 bus shelters; ARTS' shelters should not be relegated to non -ad shelter locations; concurred with Mayor Johnson's suggestion that it would be best to remove the non - advertising designator on the list. Councilmember Gilmore inquired about the staggered installation of the bus shelters. Ms. Graber responded that ARTS would like to make a counter proposal; more than 6 shelters might be able to be installed this year. Councilmember Kerr inquired whether ARTS was aware that anyone buying a bus shelter would also have to maintain it. Ms. Graber responded that was never proposed by ARTS; that ARTS was an issue - oriented group; an outside source would maintain 25 shelters for approximately $21,000 per year. Councilmember Gilmore inquired how frequently the shelters would be maintained, to which Ms. Graber responded weekly. Virginia Nichols, Alameda submitted a handout; questioned ridership data; stated that she objects to having bus shelters in residential Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 12 April 20, 2004 neighborhoods. Joe Cloren, Alameda, stated the bus stop at Belmont Avenue and Mecartney Road was recently moved without sufficient notice; the move has resulted in numerous complaints, suggested the stop be moved back to its original location. Michael Krueger, Alameda, stated that ARTS expressed concern about focusing on non -ad sites for the pilot program; the Transportation Commission agreed that ARTS could choose any sites; focus should be on sites with highest ridership, transit points, and transit dependent populations; stated that ARTS should have first pick of the locations. Councilmember Matarrese thanked ARTS for raising money; thanked members of the Transportation Commission for their efforts; stated that speakers gave practical reasons why certain sites should not be included; that he would not vote for installing any shelter unless the budget identified money for spotless maintenance; that transit dependency should be high priority; suggested removing Page 2 because of unrealistic maintenance funds for that many shelters. Councilmember Gilmore suggesting waiting for the developer's site plan and design at Blanding Avenue before placing a shelter at the location. Mayor Johnson stated that the developer of the center should be responsible for the shelter. Councilmember Matarrese stated incorporating transportation should be mandatory; staff should make arrangements with the shopping center developer as they finalize plans; noted that he voted no on the Joint Powers Agreement because of the ads; process should be transparent; a footnote should indicate advertising or non - advertising. Mayor Johnson stated that most people support the concept of shelters but not advertising; that Council could wait to designate stops as advertising eligible; ridership numbers need to be verified. Councilmember Matarrese stated that there was no restriction on advertising on bus benches in the City Code; Council needs to review revising the Code. Councilmember Kerr stated that most of the communication she has received opposes shelters in front of houses; locations should not be selected until design was determined; that canopy shelters have Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 13 April 20, 2004 not been considered. Councilmember Gilmore inquired when Council would receive the design guidelines from the Planning Board, to which the Public Works Director responded that the Planning Board review would be on April 26, 2004; Council would consider design criteria on May 18, 2004. Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether time would be lost by considering the bus shelter locations at the same time as the design guidelines. The Public Works Director responded that if Council wants bus shelters in before the rainy season, and is still considering advertising shelters, then the matter would need to move ahead tonight. Councilmember Matarrese stated that sites should be identified before design; no one was stating that they want advertising; that he was ready to move forward and review the budget and what funds are being raised; that he does not want to see a delay; selecting sites first and then reviewing design was appropriate. Councilmember Kerr stated that people do not want three -sided bus shelters in front of their houses; homeowners have concerns with noise; trash containers tend to attract overflow of garbage. Vice Mayor Daysog stated the rainy season was being overstated; Alameda has mild temperatures; thanked ARTS for raising funds; Council needs to direct the City Manager and Staff to work on behalf of the community; that he was concerned about the Transportation Commission handling negotiations; final authority rests with the Council; the motion should include direction to City staff on funding options; that he is concerned with the piecemeal nature in dealing with siting criteria and addressing funding and design issues later; that the City Manager and staff need to determine how many bus shelters are expected from ARTS and in what timeframe; that the Transportation Commission does not have wide representation. Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the Priority 1 shelter locations, excluding #25 and excluding the designation of whether the shelter meets the criteria of advertising or non - advertising; approval of directing staff to 1) prepare a budget with potential revenue sources for maintaining each individual shelter through the whole list, to provide incremental information, 2) provide a summary of the number of shelters ARTS' funding commitment would provide. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 14 April 20, 2004 Mayor Johnson requested the motion be amended to include that staff verify ridership prior to installing shelters. Councilmember Matarrese agreed to amend the motion to include verifying the accuracy of ridership numbers with AC Transit for approved locations. Councilmember Gilmore stated that originally there was a minimum list of 25 sites; the motion narrows the list down to 24 sites; inquired whether the list would continually decrease if shelters are not placed in front of residences. Mayor Johnson responded that additional sites could be added later. Councilmember Matarrese stated that there was a need to focus down to meet the commitment to have shelters by next winter. Vice Mayor Daysog requested the motion be repeated. The City Clerk repeated the motion. Councilmember Kerr stated that committing ARTS to a certain number of shelters would be premature. Councilmember Matarrese clarified that the motion was not a commitment [for ARTS]; ARTS mentioned funding already in hand; that his motion was to direct staff to provide information on exact number [budget] and how many shelters would be funded. Ms. Graber stated that ARTS has a goal of at least 10 shelters by the rainy season; that the Transportation Commission Subcommittee has indicated that they are open to a variety of styles. Mayor Johnson stated that Council does not want to limit the type of shelters. Ms. Graber stated that the narrow, three -sided shelter was better looking than the deep, shed -type shelter. Vice Mayor Daysog seconded the motion, without limiting the type of shelter. Under discussion, the City Manager stated that a plan of action would be brought back for Council consideration. On call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Gilmore, Matarrese and Mayor Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 15 April 20, 2004 Johnson - 4. Noes: Councilmember Kerr - 1. (04 -178) Recommendation to authorize the City Manager to execute a Relinquishment Agreement with the California Department of Transportation for the Webster Street Right -of -Way (State Highway 260) between Central Avenue and Ralph J. Appezzato Parkway (Atlantic Avenue); and (04 -178A) Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications and authorize Call for Bids for Webster Renaissance Project No. P.W. 07- 02 -07. Sherri Stieg, WABA; Mi'Chelle Frerick, WABA; and Georgia Madden, WABA thanked city staff and Council for moving the project forward. Vice Mayor Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation. Under discussion, Councilmember Matarrese stated that project was an important half of the City's redevelopment. Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (04 -179) Ordinance No. 2921, "Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Section 1 -7 (Administrative Citations) of Chapter I (General) pertaining to code enforcement." Finally passed. Councilmember Kerr stated that she was delighted to see the 55 cent confirmation option added to the Ordinance. Councilmember Kerr moved final passage of the Ordinance. Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA None. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (04 -180) Discussion on requiring a competitive bid process for all bonds /debts issued by the City. Vice Mayor Daysog stated information was being gathered; thanked staff for informative memo. The Finance Director stated that the California Debt Advisory Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 16 April 20, 2004 Commission oversees all debt issuance in California; seminars are offered on fundamentals of debt financing; a seminar could be organized for Council to review financing tools available. The Council concurred with the suggestions. Vice Mayor Daysog suggested that the workshop be scheduled prior to a City Council meeting. Mayor Johnson stated that a workshop would be a great idea. (04 -181) Councilmember Matarrese requested periodic updates on the Webster Street Strategic Planning process and timeline and report and progress on the catalyst project. (04 -182) Councilmember Matarrese requested staff to address the weeds on the median strip at Tilden Way and Fernside Boulevard. (04 -183) Councilmember Kerr stated old equipment is being stored on the area designated to be a park in the Kaufman and Broad project on Buena Vista Avenue; requested staff review the matter. (04 -184) Councilmember Kerr stated the City's website was updated and it is difficult to find items, such as the Municipal Code and Northern Waterfront Strategic Plan. (04 -185) Councilmember Kerr stated AP &T sponsors events; law requires a certain amount of municipal utilities budget be used on public service; requested a list of all money spent on public service, including telecom marketing efforts. (04 -186) Vice Mayor Daysog stated that it is a privilege to serve on the City's Council. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 11:58 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Lara Weisiger City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 1 April 20, 2004