2005-04-19 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY - - APRIL 19, 2005 - - 7:30 PM
Mayor Johnson convened the Regular Meeting at 8:07 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, deHaan, Gilmore,
Matarrese, and Mayor Johnson - 5.
Absent: None.
AGENDA CHANGES
(05 -160) Mayor Johnson announced that the Resolution Commending
Alameda Police Department Sergeant Jon Westmoreland would be
presented after Special Orders of the Day.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(05 -161) Proclamation declaring April 23, 2005 as Earth Day Alameda
2005.
Mayor Johnson read and presented the Proclamation to Paul Groff,
Allegra Printing.
Mr. Groff thanked the Council for the Proclamation.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEM
(05 -162) Resolution No. 13828, "Commending Alameda Police
Department Sergeant Jon Westmoreland for His Contributions to the
City of Alameda." Adopted.
Mayor Johnson read and presented the Resolution to Sergeant Jon
Westmoreland.
Sergeant Westmoreland thanked the Council and stated that he was
honored to have served the City.
Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the Resolution.
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Johnson announced that the recommendation to authorize the
Acting City Manager or designee to enter into an agreement for the
acquisition of real property [paragraph no. 05 -166], the
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 1
April 19, 2005
recommendation to authorize the Acting City Manager to use $201,000
in Measure B ferry reserves [paragraph no. 05 -1691, and the
Resolution Approving the Application for Land and Water
Conservation Fund [paragraph no. 05 -174] were removed from the
Consent Calendar for discussion.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the remainder of the
Consent Calendar.
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
[Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding
the paragraph number.]
( *05 -163) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings
held on April 5, 2005 and the Special City Council Meeting held on
April 7, 2005 and April 8, 2005. Approved.
( *05 -164) Ratified bills in the amount of $1,826,558.48.
( *05 -165) Recommendation to approve Agreement with Community
Playgrounds, Inc. in the amount of $98,930 for Leydecker Park
Playground Renovation Project. Accepted.
(05 -166) Recommendation to authorize the Acting City Manager or
designee to enter into an agreement for the acquisition of real
property from the East Bay Municipal Utility District for $110,800
plus closing costs.
Councilmember deHaan requested clarification on the impacts of
drawing $110,800 from the Recreation and Park Commission's existing
budget.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he understood that the $110,800
was coming from the Open Space Fund.
Mayor Johnson stated that the Open Space Fund was a result of the
property sold at the Harbor Bay Business Park; Council directed
that the sale proceeds be placed in a separate Open Space account.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the money was also being used
for the Estuary Park Project.
The Acting City Manager responded in the affirmative; stated
purchasing the full amount of land [for Estuary Park] shown in the
General Plan could cost up to $5 million; there will be discussions
with the developer and the Bay Conservation and Development
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 2
April 19, 2005
Commission (BCDC) regarding requirements for a pathway.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether having an approximate
$300,000 delta will limit the capabilities of carrying on with the
project.
The Acting City Manager responded there would be limitations in
getting a larger share of the land; discussions with the developer
and grant approval would determine how much land the City could
obtain; staff must recommend proceeding because the project is
shown in the General Plan.
Councilmember deHann moved approval of the recommendation to
authorize the Acting City Manager or designee to enter into an
agreement for the acquisition of real property from the East Bay
Municipal Utility District for $110,800 plus closing costs
[paragraph no. 05 -166] and Adoption of Resolution Approving the
Application for Land and Water Conservation Fund Estuary Park
Project [paragraph no. 05 -174].
Under discussion, Mayor Johnson inquired whether the grant was the
same one the City previously applied for and did not receive and
whether the chances for approval were better.
The Acting Recreation and Park Director responded the current grant
was from the Land and Water Conservation Act; the previous grant
was under the Roberti- Z'Berg- Harris Urban Open Space and Recreation
Program; the State prefers to fund developments rather than
acquisitions.
Mayor Johnson requested staff to advise Council on whatever efforts
are needed to succeed.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Matarrese stated that it is
important to acquire the last strip of property before the Bay Farm
Bridge because the property completes the Bay Trail and precludes
building another house at one of the choke points of the City; the
development of Estuary Park should move forward with whatever money
is left; when the opportunity comes up with the developer, money
can be found.
The Acting City Manager
developer to maximize the
matter would be discussed
two.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
April 19, 2005
stated there are ways to work with the
amount of land the City can obtain; the
with the developer in the next week or
3
Mayor Johnson requested an inventory of potential open space be
presented to Council; stated the Belt Line and other areas are
designated in the General Plan; an overall look at open space and
plans to acquire the space should be reviewed.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote -5.
( *05 -167) Recommendation to adopt Specifications and authorize Call
for Bids for a Combination Catch Basin /Sewer Cleaning Machine.
Accepted.
( *05 -168) Recommendation to approve an increase to the Construction
Contract with Golden Bay Construction, Inc., in the amount of
$100,000 using Alameda Power and Telecom funds for the placement of
additional cable television and undergrounding of power conduits
for Webster Street Renaissance Project, No. P.W. 07- 02 -07.
Accepted.
(05 -169) Recommendation to authorize the Acting City Manager to
use $201,000 in Measure B ferry reserves for ferry boat repairs.
Vice Mayor Gilmore stated there seems to be more ferry boat repair
issues with the Harbor Bay Ferry than the Alameda /Oakland Ferry
Service; if so, requested a review of ferry boat operators'
maintenance schedules.
Councilmember deHaan stated that the Harbor Bay Ferry costs need to
be reviewed; an Off Agenda Report notes that the Peralta was sent
back up to Washington for super structure modifications; the
Peralta is a young ship; there were flaws in the materials used;
requested the review address the Peralta.
Vice Mayor Gilmore moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
( *05 -170) Resolution No. 13829, "Preliminarily Approving Annual
Report Declaring Intention to Order Levy and Collection of
Assessments and Providing for Notice of June 21, 2005 Hearing
Thereof - Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84 -2."
Adopted.
( *05 -171) Resolution No. 13830, "Preliminarily Approving Annual
Report Declaring Intention to Order Levy and Collection of
Assessments and Providing for Notice of June 21, 2005 Hearing
Thereof - Maintenance Assessment District 01 -01 (Marina Cove) ."
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 4
April 19, 2005
Adopted.
( *05 -172) Resolution No. 13831, "Approving Tentative Map, TM04-
0004, for a Sixteen Lot Subdivision at Harbor Bay Business Park."
Adopted.
( *05 -173) Resolution No. 13832, "Approving the Association of Bay
Area Governments (ABAG) Report "Taming Natural Disasters" as the
City of Alameda's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan." Adopted.
(05 -174) Resolution No. 13833, "Approving the Application for Land
and Water Conservation Fund Estuary Park Project." Adopted.
Refer to comments and motion under the recommendation to authorize
the Acting City Manager or designee to enter into an agreement for
the acquisition of real property [paragraph no. 05 -1661.
( *05 -175) Introduction of Ordinance Reclassifying and Rezoning
Certain Property within the City of Alameda by Amending Zoning
Ordinance No. 1277, N.S., from R -5 (General Residential) Zoning
District to C -C (Community Commercial) Zoning District, for that
Property Located at 2507 Central Avenue at Everett Street.
Introduced.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(05 -176) Public Hearing to consider a recommendation to adopt FY
2005 -06 through FY 2009 -10 Consolidated Plan, adopt FY 2005 -06
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan, amend FY
2004 -05 CDBG Action Plan, and authorize the City Manager to
negotiate and execute related documents, agreements and
modifications; and
(05 -176A) Recommendation regarding CDBG public service
recommendations.
Mayor Johnson opened the public portion of the Hearing.
Speaker: Doug Biggs, Alameda Point Collaborative.
There being no further speakers, Mayor Johnson closed the public
portion of the Hearing.
Vice Mayor Gilmore moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
(05 -177) Ordinance No. 2939, "Approving and Authorizing Execution
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 5
April 19, 2005
of Lease between the City of Alameda (Lessor) and the County of
Alameda (Lessee) for Real Property Located at 1429 Oak Street."
Finally passed.
Mayor Johnson stated that the County Health Center is moving into
the former Children's Library site; there is now a home for the
Recreation and Park Department and the County Health Center;
thanked the Acting City Manager for finding a very good solution to
a potentially difficult problem.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that the County's opportunity
provides the City with the benefit of improvements and maintaining
a building that is a City asset; the move is a fine solution and
keeps the County services central to the bus line and the center of
town.
Councilmember Matarrese moved final passage of the Ordinance.
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion.
Under discussion, the Acting City Manager stated that the Public
Works Department put in partitions and did a lot of the work in a
short period of time; the County will have a ribbon cutting
ceremony either later this week or next week; the cost of the
materials was paid for by the County; a City building has been
fixed up with a combination of City forces and County funds;
everyone came out a winner.
Mayor Johnson stated that the building was not occupied for at
least eight years and was in fairly blighted conditions.
Councilmember deHaan stated that he appreciates the Acting City
Manager's win -win solutions.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 5.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(05 -178) Discussion of the Harbor Bay ferry system.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he received many e -mails regarding
the Harbor Bay ferry; noted that the City was able to get a one
year reprieve; suggested a Town Hall meeting be held regarding the
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 6
April 19, 2005
ferry system in three to four months; stated that some riders feel
out of the loop regarding ferry issues; noted that a Town Hall
meeting would provide a better sense of timetables for improving
ferry services and costs issues; suggested a more formal way of
communicating with riders be developed by the Transportation
Commission or an adhoc committee that reports to City Council.
Councilmember Matarrese concurred with Councilmember Daysog;
suggested that the Town Hall meeting occur soon; stated that the
city cannot afford to lose the ferry service; traveling across the
Bay Farm Island Bridge would affect commuters and is unacceptable;
stated that informing commuters that everything will be done to
keep the ferry in service is an urgent matter and maintains
credibility for transit solutions at Alameda Point.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he is in favor of having the Town
Hall meeting sooner, but that it is important to collect
information for presentation.
Mayor Johnson stated that she does not see any advertising for the
ferries; noted that fuel cost issues should be investigated; stated
that the City will not lose the ferry service; that there is a
long -term possibility that the Water Transit Authority will operate
the ferries; the City needs to continue operating successfully
until then; there should be a Council briefing on the state of the
ferries and then a public workshop.
Vice Mayor Gilmore stated that the maintenance issues are
important; noted if the ferry is out of service, commuters find
other means of commuting and it is difficult to get them back once
habits have changed.
Councilmember Daysog suggested that the Council Meeting be the Town
Hall meting.
Councilmember deHaan stated that there was a fare box increase of
25% and 40% is needed; the capacity of the ferry service and
parking limitation is a difficult dynamic to solve; that the
Alameda /Oakland Ferry Service was successful because parking
spaces were increased and ridership improved.
Mayor Johnson stated that she has never seen the parking lot full;
noted that more riders are needed; stated that ridership went down
significantly after the dock closure.
The Acting City Manager stated that staff worked very hard and came
up with a solution that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission
staff and Grant Allocation Committee endorsed; more work needs to
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 7
April 19, 2005
be done to refine the information; there are plans to have a Town
Hall meeting next week or the following week; then staff will
provide a status report to Council; a better job can be done on
marketing the ferry.
Mayor Johnson stated that when the ferry problem became apparent,
the Acting City Manager immediately took action and set up meetings
with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission; thanked the Acting
City Manager for the efforts taken to negotiate one more year.
Vice Mayor Gilmore requested that e -mails be sent to concerned
citizens [regarding the Town Hall meeting] in addition to the
normal noticing procedures.
(05 -179) Consideration of Mayor's nominations (3) for appointment
to the Golf Commission.
Mayor Johnson nominated Ray Gaul, Jane Sullwold, and Bill Schmitz
to the Gold Commission.
Councilmember deHaan stated that he was extremely impressed with
the applicants' depth; he would hope that the individuals look at
other commissions and boards.
Mayor Johnson concurred with Councilmember deHaan.
(05 -180) Consideration of the Mayor's nomination for appointment
to the Housing and Building Code Hearing and Appeals Board.
Continued.
(05 -181) Selection of alternate to serve on the Alameda County
Lead Abatement Joint Powers Authority Board.
Mayor Johnson stated that Councilmember deHaan has indicated an
interest to serve as the alternate.
Vice Mayor Gilmore moved that Councilmember deHaan serve on the
Alameda County Lead Abatement Joint Powers Authority Board.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
(05 -182) Councilmember Daysog noted that today is the City of
Alameda's 151st birthday.
(05 -183) Councilmember deHaan requested a report on the Lincoln
School drop off area situation; there is concern with the next
generation of remediation intruding into the existing field area.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 8
April 19, 2005
Vice Mayor Gilmore stated that the School District staff is
presenting a plan to the School Board on April 26.
The Acting City Manager stated that the meeting may be sooner than
April 26 and that he would verify the date.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the plan intrudes into the field
area, to which the Acting City Manager responded that the plan goes
partially into the field area and basketball paved area.
Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired how the plan would effect putting in a
full size regulation soccer field, to which the Acting City Manager
responded the matter would be addressed at the meeting and City
staff would bring back information.
Mayor Johnson stated that she has informed a couple of School Board
members and the Superintendent that she is concerned about taking
away field space; noted that the basketball courts are not just
used by the school.
(05 -184) Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the window display
ordinance came back to Council, to which the Acting City Manager
responded that there is 30 -day implementation period to allow
people time to adjust before enforcement.
(05 -185) Mayor Johnson requested that increasing the size of the
Recreation and Park Commission be placed on the next agenda.
(05 -186) Mayor Johnson stated the Finance Director is working on a
more aggressive policy to buy in Alameda; noted that the check
registers indicate how much the City spends outside of Alameda and
are very disturbing; stated that sales tax revenue is being given
to other cities; a purchasing position might be needed to
coordinate better prices and ensure that purchasing is done in
Alameda as much as possible.
(05 -187) Mayor Johnson stated the Council should consider a
Business Recruiter position in the next budget.
Councilmember deHaan stated that every Economic Development
Commission study indicated a Business Recruiter as a top priority;
noted that buying in Alameda is important.
(05 -188) Councilmember Matarrese stated important projects are
coming forward; requested staff reports reference applicable plans,
such as the General Plan, Economic Development Strategic Plan, the
Downtown Vision Plan, the Bicycle Master Plan, etc; staff reports
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 9
April 19, 2005
should have a section that reviews basic conformance to the policy
documents that have been adopted; for non - conformance, there should
be an explanation of the pros and cons; noted the plans may need to
be updated; projects such as the Theatre, Bridgeside Shopping
Center and the Base need to check conformances to existing plans.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the
Regular Meeting at 8:57 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 10
April 19, 2005