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2006-02-07 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- - FEBRUARY 7, 2006- -7:30 P.M. Mayor Johnson convened the Regular Meeting at 8:57 p.m. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, deHaan, Gilmore, Matarrese, and Mayor Johnson - 5. Absent: None. AGENDA CHANGES None. PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (06 -058) Proclamation declaring January 30, 2006 through April 4, 2006 as A Season for Nonviolence. Mayor Johnson read the proclamation and requested staff to forward the proclamation to the New Parent Support Group and Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth & Families. (06 -059) Presentation by the Port of Oakland on the draft 20 -year Master Plan for the Oakland Airport. Steve Grossman, Director of Aviation, provided a brief report on the Master Plan study, and Doug Mansel, Project Manager, provided a Power Point presentation. Mayor Johnson thanked Mr. Grossman and Mr. Mansel for the presentation; recognized Dave Needle with the Airport Operations Committee; expressed thanks to the Port Executive Director and the Board of Commissioners for working with the community; stated she was impressed with the projected cargo traffic reductions. Melody Marr, Alameda Chamber of Commerce, thanked the Port of Oakland for including the community in the process. Councilmember Matarrese thanked the Port of Oakland and members of the community who participated in the work sessions; stated he appreciates throttling back the noisiest operations; he is concerned with the accident prone general aviation which ends up over Bay Farm Island and the east end of the Island; he hopes that Alameda's and San Leandro's weight exceeds the other nine Bay Area counties regarding the full 2025 projection; he does not want to sacrifice Alameda's safety or comfort for others convenience. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 1 February 7, 2006 Councilmember Daysog stated that the City should be proud of the knowledgeable residents involved with the Airport Operating Committee; the progress has been positive. Mayor Johnson stated that resident knowledge has been extensive. Councilmember deHaan inquired when regional dialogue would commence regarding the other runways. Mr. Grossman responded preliminary discussions have been initiated with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Regional Airport Planning Committee; the work should start within the year and continue to be a multi -year process. Councilmember deHaan stated Alameda's voice is important throughout the process. (06 -060) Library project update. The Project Manager gave a brief update. Mayor Johnson inquired whether branch library hours would cover the Main Library hours during the closure. The Acting Library Director stated covering the hours was not feasible because extra staff was needed for the tagging process; the public would be advised on the closure through a major press release along with a notice from the schools; staff could review the matter again. Mayor Johnson inquired whether collections would be tagged on the weekends. The Acting Library Director responded collections would be tagged six days a week at the Main Library; the branch library collections would be tagged on the existing closed days [Friday and Sunday]. Mayor Johnson inquired whether the branch library collections would be tagged in two days. The Acting Library Director responded in the negative; stated the branch library tagging will not start at this time; the two -week process would concentrate on the Main Library. Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether high school students or temporary staffing could help with the tagging process. The Acting Library Director responded in the negative; stated the Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 2 February 7, 2006 process is quiet involved. Councilmember Daysog stated a plan seems to be in place for the transition. Vice Mayor Gilmore stated that she understands the desire to keep one of the branch libraries open full time; the branch libraries are small and would not accommodate the number of people who use the interim Main Library; she is not sure of the additional benefit in opening a branch library for seven days. The Acting Library Director stated that extended hours are being planned for the branch libraries during the closure in October. Councilmember Matarrese inquired what are the closure days, to which the Acting Library Director responded March 6 through March 19. Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the closure could be in the summer. The Acting Library Director responded in the negative; stated summer closure would not provide enough time for tagging and would impact the summer reading programs. Mayor Johnson inquired how much time is needed for the tagging. The Acting Library Director responded that two- thirds to three - quarters would be completed during the closure. Mayor Johnson inquired when the process would be completed, to which the Acting Library Director responded hopefully October. Mayor Johnson inquired whether the school schedule would be affected. The Acting Library Director responded in the negative; stated Donna Fletcher, Alameda Unified School District, advised her that the proposed closure dates are the best time to perform the tagging; the School District is helping to get the word out through a newsletter. Mayor Johnson requested staff to review the possibility of keeping one of the branch libraries open during the two -week closure of the Main Library if there is a huge outcry over closure. Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired whether future rains would affect the progress of the project, other than brickwork. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 3 February 7, 2006 The Project Manager responded rains would affect the exterior brickwork; interior brickwork would be done in lieu of the exterior brickwork; noted the new Main Library will have 75 public use computers instead of the current 12. Mayor Johnson inquired whether the project is ahead of schedule. The Project Manager responded the project is slightly ahead of schedule and within budget. * ** Councilmember deHaan excused himself from the City Council Meeting at 9:49 p.m. due to a pinched nerve. * ** CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Johnson announced that the bills for ratification [paragraph no. 06 -0611 were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar. Vice Mayor Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Councilmember deHaan - 1.1 [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.] ( *06 -062) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings held on January 17, 2006, and Special Joint City Council and Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority Meeting held on February 1, 2006. Approved. (06 -063) Ratified bills in the amount of $5,501,850.82. Mayor Johnson thanked the Finance Director for the new check register format. Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of ratifying the bills in the amount of $5,501,850.82. Vice Mayor Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Councilmember deHaan - 1.1 ( *06 -064) Resolution No. 13924, "Appointing an Engineer and an Attorney for Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84 -2." Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 4 February 7, 2006 Adopted. ( *06 -065) Resolution No. 13925, "Appointing an Engineer and an Attorney for Maintenance Assessment District 01 -01 (Marina Cove)." Adopted. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (06 -066) Ordinance No. 2946, "Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Section 2 -18 (Alameda Film Commission) to Chapter II (Administration) , Establishing an Alameda Film Commission, and Prescribing Membership and Duties of Said Commission." Finally passed. Councilmember Matarrese stated the Film Commission would help to manage the impacts on the neighborhoods and increase business opportunities. Councilmember Matarrese moved final passage of the Ordinance. Vice Mayor Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Councilmember deHaan - 1.1 (06 -067) Resolution Access to Community Recreation Programs." No. 13926, "Supporting Equal Opportunity Sports Facilities and Community Sponsored Adopted. The Acting Recreation and Park Director provided a brief report on Assembly Bill 2404. Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether Alameda programs are in full compliance, to which the Acting Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Matarrese stated that adoption of the Resolution would ensure that requirements are met for both City -owned and non - City owned programs and facilities; he is please with the efforts made in advance of the Resolution. Mayor Johnson requested that the actual policy to be adopted by the Recreation and Park Commission on February 9 be brought back to the Council for review; stated that the Resolution is vague; the policy needs to be consistent with the Resolution and State law; thanked staff for being responsive; stated she is impressed with the plans to move forward with renovation and improvements of three fields. Vice Mayor Gilmore moved adoption of the Resolution. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 5 February 7, 2006 Vice Mayor Gilmore stated that the resolution provides non- discriminatory access to fields and times; certain groups have been given the least favorite fields and times in the past; the Resolution would ensure a balance in times and field locations. Mayor Johnson stated that she appreciates former Councilmember Barbara Kerr originally bringing the matter to the Council's attention. Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Councilmember deHaan - l.] ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA None. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (Communications from Council) (06 -068) Consideration of Mayor's nomination for appointment to the Economic Development Commission. Mayor Johnson nominated Lorre Zuppan for appointment to the Economic Development Commission. (06 -069) Discussion regarding a resolution calling upon steps to withdraw our Reservists, Coast Guard Units and members of the California National Guard troops from Iraq. Joseph Woodard, Alameda, quoted 2005 Nobel Prize Playwright Harold Pinter; urged a return of the troops. Mary Abu -Saba, Alameda Peace Network, stated that Alameda needs the California National Guard back. Susan Galleymore, Alameda, stated the War has caused a lot of horror and destruction; urged bringing the National Guard home. Mark Irons, Alameda, urged the Council to place the resolution on the next agenda for discussion. Sallyanne Monti, Alameda, stated the death rate of the National Guard is 35% higher than other units of service; urged return of the National Guard. Dorothy Kakimoto, Alameda, stated that the War is robbing social services; urged the return of the National Guard. Kathryn Neale Manalo, Alameda Chapter, Network of Spiritual Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 6 February 7, 2006 Progressives, urged the return of the National Guard. Pat Flores, Alameda, urged the Council to speak out by passing the resolution. Noel W. Folsom, Alameda, commended Councilmember Matarrese for bringing the matter to public attention; urged the Council to adopt the resolution. Carl Helpern, Alameda, stated that he was in support of the resolution; the California National Guard was not intended to be an army operational force and should be brought home. Councilmember Matarrese stated that Alameda is the appropriate place to address the issue and vindicates the controversial vote that occurred four years; there is a difference between a no -cost conveyance and hundreds of millions of dollars of clean up that cannot be done; the City needs to beg for money from the Corps of Engineers to repair the seawall; Alameda's Marine unit was deployed; the National Guard and Coast Guard deployment directly impact Alameda; requested the Council to place the resolution on the next City Council agenda. Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired whether the resolution language could be discussed if the Council votes to place the matter on the next agenda, to which the City Attorney responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Matarrese stated that he would like to hear comments on the wording of the resolution. Mayor Johnson stated the Councilmembers could make comments at this time; public comment would be heard when the resolution is brought back; stated that a Senate Hearing addressed concerns with the State levels of the National Guard; the percentage of National Guard troops in Iraq was approximately 40% and is currently down to approximately 300; the National Guard has a two -year time limit for activation; she supports the resolution with regard to the National Guard; she does not believe that California is prepared to deal with a natural disaster; stated she is a little less comfortable with locally dealing with the troop levels, although spending money in Iraq has an impact on local governments; stated that two resolutions could be proposed. Councilmember Daysog stated that Alameda is a middle -of- the -road type City; Alameda's comments carries weight on issues of global significance; words should chosen carefully and wisely; the public can be engaged to receive more input on the terms of US policy in Iraq; kindling should not be thrown on the fire that is already in Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 7 February 7, 2006 Washington, D.C. and Sacramento; there is an opportunity to responsibility discuss the matter. Vice Mayor Gilmore stated that she was impressed with the eloquence of tonight's speakers; urged that the matter be placed on an agenda for action; stated she can see the arguments for bringing the California National Guard home; she is comfortable in supporting the decision; she is less comfortable about inserting herself in the national debate regarding levels of troops, even though personally she is not in favor of having troops in Iraq; she would look forward to having a discussion on the matter and receiving more information from experts before rendering an opinion; two resolutions may be appropriate. Councilmember Daysog stated several resolutions could be considered. Vice Mayor Gilmore moved to place the matter on the next City Council agenda. Mayor Johnson stated that there was some discussion on Assembly Member Hancock's resolution regarding the authority of the Governor and Federal Legislation; she would like to have more information on how the issue relates to the National Guard. Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion. Councilmember Matarrese stated that there is some urgency regarding the matter; he would like to have Alameda's voice heard in getting Assembly Member Hancock's resolution passed; the deficit impacting Alameda is a certainty just like an earthquake on the Hayward fault; the deficit impact has already visited Alameda on the Base. The City Manager requested clarification on the concept of two resolutions. Councilmember Matarrese stated that he does not advocate a combination; he would prefer a simple, direct approach. Councilmember Daysog stated that he would prefer to pursue a more simple resolution which has no reference to situations in Washington, D.C. or Sacramento, but which addresses a statement of belief from Alameda. Mayor Johnson stated that any Councilmember could bring ideas for discussion; other draft resolutions could be part of the Council packet. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 8 February 7, 2006 Vice Mayor Gilmore moved approval of placing the matter on the next agenda. Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by consensus - 4. Absent: Councilmember deHaan - 1. (06 -070) Councilmember Matarrese stated a number of signs throughout the City may violate the sign ordinance; requested staff to investigate the matter. The City Manager inquired whether the signs were temporary. Councilmember Matarrese responded that some of the signs are more permanent than temporary. ADJOURNMENT (06 -071) There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 10:43 p.m. in a moment of silence for Former Mayor Chuck Corica and Coretta Scott King. Respectfully submitted, Lara Weisiger City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 9 February 7, 2006