2006-09-05 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- - SEPTEMBER 5, 2006- -7:30 P.M.
Mayor Johnson convened the Regular Meeting at 10:30 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 -428) Proclamation expressing thanks to Contra Costa Newspapers
and Its Employees, Gary Kidwell and Michael Switzer.
Mayor Johnson read and presented the proclamation to Mr. Kidwell
and Mr. Switzer.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the Proclamation.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
Mayor Johnson stated the news racks have made a huge difference in
the business districts.
Ed Clark, West Alameda Business Association (WABA), stated former
Councilmember Karin Lucas raised the issue years ago; the City has
attractive newspaper racks thanks to everyone's efforts.
(06 -429) Proclamation declaring September 17, 2006 as Alameda
Legacy Home Tour Day in the City of Alameda.
Mayor Johnson read and presented the proclamation to Judith Lynch,
Historical Advisory Board (HAB) Member, and Richard Knight, HAB
Member.
Councilmember deHaan noted the home tours have been held for at
least 32 years.
(06 -430) Presentation by West Alameda Business Association
regarding the Peanut Butter and Jam festival.
Ed Clark, WABA, stated the Peanut Butter and Jam Festival would be
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Alameda City Council 1
September 5, 2006
the best ever; invited everyone to attend; stated WABA is losing
Sheri Stieg as Executive Director; introduced the new Executive
Director, Kathy Moehring; presented Council with jars of Skippy
Peanut Butter.
Kathy Moehring, WABA Executive Director, stated that she would
continue where Ms. Stieg left off; encouraged everyone to attend
the Peanut Butter and Jam Festival and outlined the event.
Mayor Johnson requested Ms. Moehring to explain why the event is
named the Peanut Butter and Jam Festival, to which Ms. Moehring
responded Skippy Peanut Butter was invented on Webster Street.
Mr. Clark noted Skippy contributed over $15,000 worth of free
Peanut Butter.
Mayor Johnson congratulated Ms. Moehring; stated Ms. Stieg did a
great job.
Councilmember deHaan suggested that Council present Ms. Stieg with
a proclamation; stated Webster Street has a new vitality.
(06 -431) Library project update.
The Project Manager provided a brief update.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Johnson announced that the Resolution Authorizing Open Market
Purchase [paragraph no. 06 -437], Resolution Authorizing Sale of
Emergency Generators [paragraph no. 06 -438], Resolution Amending
Exhibit A - Compensation Plan [paragraph no. 06 -439], and Public
Hearing to consider Ordinance [paragraph no. 06 -442] 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 - 5.
[Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding
the paragraph number.]
( *06 -432) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings
held on August 15, 2006. Approved.
( *06 -433) Ratified bills in the amount of $5,047,654.18.
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Alameda City Council 2
September 5, 2006
( *06 -434) Recommendation to accept the Quarterly Sales Tax Report
for the Period Ending March 31, 2006. Accepted.
( *06 -435) Recommendation to amend the Consultant Agreement with
Consolidated Construction Management extending the term, scope of
work and price for the Alameda Free Library, New Main Library
Project, No. P.W. 01- 03 -01. Accepted.
( *06 -436) Recommendation to reject Bids for the Modular
Recreational Building and Site Improvements at Washington Park.
Accepted; and
( *06 -436A) Resolution No. 14006, "Authorizing Open Market
Negotiation of Contract Pursuant to Section 3 -15 of the Alameda
City Charter for the Modular Recreational Building and Site
Improvements at Washington Park, No. P.W. 05- 06 -17, and Authorizing
the City Manager to Enter into Such an Agreement for $650,000,
Including a loo Contingency." Adopted.
(06 -437) Resolution No. 14007, "Authorizing Open Market Purchase of
Twelve Vehicles from Good Chevrolet, Alameda in an Amount Not to
Exceed $251,230.00." Adopted.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the staff report indicates the
alternate fuel vehicle policy was considered but alternate fuel
vehicles are not recommended; inquired whether the use of mini
pickups was analyzed; stated a mini pickup was used for a recent
dedication ceremony and an electric flatbed could have been used.
The Public Works Director responded use is reviewed and discussed
with departments; stated the Recreation and Parks Director
indicated a flatbed could not have been used at the dedication
ceremony based on bed size; the vehicles being replaced carry
equipment, tools, parts and chemicals for pool maintenance, which
could not be accommodated by the size of the electric flatbed;
Public Works mini trucks travel outside of the City; the most
reliable electric flatbeds on the market only travel 25 miles per
hour, which would not work for travel out of Alameda.
Councilmember Matarrese requested that the level of detail provided
by the Public Works Director be included in staff reports in the
future; inquired whether diesel fuel was evaluated for the one ton
dump trucks and three quarter ton pickup trucks.
The Public Works Director responded in the affirmative; stated
diesel is more expensive, which is one reason diesel was not
selected; that he is working on converting three existing vehicles
to biodiesel.
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September 5, 2006
Councilmember Matarrese stated a use policy should be considered to
separate whether use is determined based on necessity or the way
things were always done.
Vice Mayor Gilmore complimented the Public Works Director for
buying the vehicles in Alameda.
Mayor Johnson noted vehicles have not been purchase in Alameda for
sometime.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether staff is getting rid of
excess [surplus] vehicles.
The Public Works Director responded eight vehicles have been
recommended for surplus; stated the vehicles would be disposed of
by the end of the fiscal year.
Councilmember Daysog inquired about the plans for the $14,800 in
savings; inquired whether there is a fund for alternative fuel
vehicles.
The Public Works Director responded all vehicles are purchased from
the same fund; stated five electric vehicles would be purchased by
the end of the fiscal year; the savings return to the vehicle
replacement fund.
The City Manager stated the purchase is the result of the new
approach to manage vehicle replacement; savings remain in the fund
along with vehicle sales revenue.
Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the Resolution.
Vice Mayor Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
(06 -438) Adoption of Resolution Authorizing and Approving Sale of
Emergency Generators and Associated Electric Equipment to Cummins
West, Inc. for $832,000. Not adopted.
Hadi Monsef, Alameda, urged Council to reject the recommendation;
stated $1 million of public funds would be given away; the
situation of the world could impact the supply of electricity to
the City; the future is too unstable.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether potential generator uses could arise
and whether the generators could be used in the event of a disaster
or if the City's power supply were cut off; further inquired
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September 5, 2006
whether the generators at the former Base make the generators
[proposed for sale] unnecessary.
The Alameda Power and Telecom (AP &T) General Manager responded
there is not a zero probability that the generators never would be
used; stated combustion turbines near Alameda Point would serve all
of the load assuming customers were not furiously using
electricity; typically people are responsible during emergencies;
parts of the system might be down in the event of a major emergency
and the entire load would not be served.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the generators would be helpful if
power lines were down in an area.
The AP &T General Manager responded possibly; stated currently the
generators are permitted as stationary; moving the generators is
not a simple task; the system has to be tested; the process takes
96 to 100 hours assuming roads are passable.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the City's emergency response
group has reviewed the asset to determine whether it is part of
disaster preparation.
AP &T General Manager stated AP &T has a smaller unit, which is very
portable and can be hooked into smaller service areas very easily.
The Disaster Preparation Officer stated any asset would be an
adjunct to the infrastructure; however, the equipment is semi -
permanently mounted; the two turbines [near Alameda Point] would
provide 50 -600 of normal demand; the Public Utilities Board's
recommendation seems prudent; having something more mobile would be
more appropriate; other types of equipment are more suitable for
mobile generation.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the generators are included
in the disaster relief plan.
The Disaster Preparation Officer responded in the negative; stated
the combustion turbines would be used to provide back up power to
the City in the event of a power disruption; mobile units would
better serve specific areas of the City; the City would be better
served with additional mobile units.
Mayor Johnson stated perhaps the generators could be sold and
mobile units could be purchased.
Vice Mayor Gilmore stated the units were purchased in 2001 for $1.8
million; inquired whether, including depreciation, the units are
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Alameda City Council 5
September 5, 2006
being sold for the amount they are worth.
The AP &T General Manager responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired what the money would be used for if the
units were sold.
The AP &T General Manager responded the money would be used for
other infrastructure needs; stated one capital project in mind is a
second feeder to Coast Guard Island.
Councilmember Daysog inquired what would be the cost of a mobile
unit, to which the Disaster Preparation Officer responded that he
does not know the amount.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the units have a 10 -year
useful life period.
The AP &T General Manager responded the units have a 10 or 20 year
life period; stated maintenance staff indicated the life of the
generators is rapidly declining.
Councilmember Daysog stated the price is good if the life is 10-
years; said information would be useful; the conversation should be
from the vantage point of the objective that the City would achieve
from selling the generators; more information is needed.
Mayor Johnson stated that she would like to know the impact on
disaster preparedness and whether proceeds should be used to
purchase mobile generators to make the City better prepared in the
event of a disaster; that she concurs with Councilmember Daysog
that more information is needed.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he concurs with Councilmember
Daysog about understanding the goal; homeland security money should
be pursued for a second line to Coast Guard Island; the money from
the sale should replace the original use; more information on the
goal is needed.
The AP &T General Manager stated the units were purchased for
rolling blackouts; AP &T's portfolio has been properly planned and
the City should not be subject to rolling blackouts; the generators
are quite cumbersome and would not be best for disaster response;
there are costs for maintenance and fuel.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether keeping the units in stand by
mode costs $30,000.
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September 5, 2006
The AP &T General Manager responded the cost covers fuel and does
not include labor and maintenance.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the total cost is closer to
$50,000, to which the AP &T General Manager responded the cost is
around $50,000 to $60,000.
Councilmember deHaan stated the amount might be reasonable for
disaster preparation; the generators have not been used very much;
the viability of using the units has not been discussed; the matter
should be researched further to better understand the asset.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the $30,000 is spent only
when the generators are operated, to which the AP &T General Manager
responded the money is spent on testing.
The City Manager stated the matter would be brought back with
additional information.
Councilmember deHaan stated the additional information should
include more detail on whether the units could be made mobile,
whether the City should look into alternative, smaller generators
that are more mobile, and whether the units [proposed for sale]
have a place in disaster preparation.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he would like information on the
useful life and evaluation from an economic perspective.
The AP &T General Manager noted only line workers can move the
generators.
Councilmember deHaan stated perhaps easier connection points could
be set up in various spots throughout the City; the matter should
be researched further.
(06 -439) Resolution No. 14008, "Amending Exhibit A - Compensation
Plan Established by Council Resolution 13545 and Amended by
Resolutions 13626, 13689 and 13977 to Establish a Five -Day Workweek
Alternative with a Corresponding Salary Range for the
Classifications of Library Director and Recreation and Parks
Director." Amended (including title) and adopted;
(06 -439A) Resolution No. 13009, "Amending the Management and
Confidential Employees Association (MCEA) Salary Schedule by
Establishing Salary Ranges for the Classifications of Principle
Executive Assistant, Purchasing and Payables Coordinator and
Supervising Animal Control Officer." Adopted; and
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September 5, 2006
(06 -439B) Resolution No. 13010, "Amending the Alameda City
Employees Association (ACEA) Salary Schedule by Establishing the
Salary Range for the Classification of Transportation Coordinator."
Adopted.
Councilmember deHaan requested that the Deputy City Manager
discussion be addressed at the next Council meeting and the
remainder of the resolutions be adopted tonight.
Councilmember deHaan moved adoption of the resolutions.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion.
Mayor Johnson clarified the motion is to adopt the resolutions,
with the exclusion of the Deputy City Manager position.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 5.
( *06 -440) Resolution No. 14011, "Appointing Rebecca A. Kozak to the
Bay Area Library Information System (BALIS) Advisory Board."
Adopted.
( *06 -441) Ordinance No.
of City -Owned Property
Jawad and Julia Jawad."
2951, "Approving and Authorizing the Lease
at 3367 Fernside Boulevard to Arthur M.
Finally passed.
(06 -442) Public Hearing to consider Ordinance Reclassifying and
Rezoning Certain Property Within the City of Alameda from Open
Space (0) to Community Manufacturing Planned Development (CM -PD) by
Amending Zoning Ordinance No. 1277, N.S. for that Property Located
at 500 Maitland Drive. Introduced.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the City owned the property
and whether the property flipped over into the Harbor Bay
development area when Maitland Drive was changed.
The Planner III responded in the affirmative; stated over an acre
of City land on the other side of Maitland Drive moved to the
southwest side when Maitland Drive was realigned; the City sold the
land to Harbor Bay and amended the General Plan designation shortly
after; provided the exhibit to the Ordinance.
Mayor Johnson stated the proceeds of the sale went into an open
space fund.
Councilmember deHaan inquired what the new owner is proposing.
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September 5, 2006
The Planner III stated the existing self - storage and RV storage
facility is proposing expansion; most of the land is zoned
Commercial Manufacturing Planned Development like the rest of the
business park; however, the over one acre area was never rezoned;
the Planning Board approved all entitlements and recommends
approval of the rezoning.
Councilmember deHaan inquired what was the entire amount of the
addition, to which the Planner III responded five acres.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the gun range used to be
located on the site, to which the Planner III responded in the
affirmative.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the site is clean.
The Planner III responded there was discussion of lead radiation;
he could review the record.
Councilmember deHaan stated the area is a gateway; furthering the
use of a storage yard does not improve eye appeal; he is concerned
about contamination.
The Planner III stated paving over lead in the dirt would contain
contamination.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the Planning Board addressed
the matter; to which the Planner III responded the Planning Board
did not discuss lead contamination, but did discuss the area as a
gateway, landscaping requirements, adjacent landscaping and paths.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the property was transferred
as open space with the assumption it would remain open space.
Mayor Johnson responded the assumption was not that the property
would remain open space; the tradeoff was that a small, not very
useful open space parcel would be exchanged for $1 million that
would be designated to buy open space or support more useable open
space projects; the intent was always to allow commercial use.
Vice Mayor Gilmore stated some of the proceeds went towards the
purchase of land adjacent to Towata Park.
Mayor Johnson stated the money was a proposed local match for an
Estuary Park grant that the City did not receive; the City is now
considering using the money to purchase the Beltline.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he voted against the matter
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September 5, 2006
because he voted against having an RV park on the West End and to
be fair he did not want to support expansion of an RV park on
Harbor Bay.
Mayor Johnson noted the original RV park was a requirement the City
put on the developer.
The Planner III stated expansion was also part of the original
requirement.
Councilmember Matarrese moved introduction of the ordinance.
Vice Mayor Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by the
following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Gilmore and Matarrese
and Mayor Johnson - 3. Noes: Councilmembers Daysog and deHaan - 2.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(06 -443) Public Hearing to consider an Appeal of the Historical
Advisory Board's denial of the alteration of more than thirty
percent of the value of historically designated single- family homes
at 1530, 1532, and 15321 Ninth Street; and adoption of related
resolution.
The Supervising Planner gave a brief presentation.
Councilmember Matarrese stated three duplexes are being created;
inquired whether the square footage of the lot complies with
Measure A, to which the Supervising Planner responded in the
affirmative.
Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired whether variances are not needed, to
which the Supervising Planner responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired whether some of the four outstanding
issues outlined in the staff report have been resolved.
The Supervising Planner responded in the affirmative; stated trim
replacement has been resolved; new windows would be needed for
energy conservation.
Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired whether the hardboard siding issue has
been resolved.
The Reconstruction Specialist II responded that she has been in
extensive conversations with Chris Buckley and the Alameda
Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS); stated an agreement has
been reached on three of the four items, with the exception of the
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September 5, 2006
walkway; there is also agreement on the items in the most recent
letter RAPS submitted.
Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired whether the walkway is a Design Review
item that is not within the purview of the Historical Advisory
Board (HAB).
The Supervising Planner responded in the affirmative; stated the
HAB's purview is alteration of historic structures.
Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired whether Design Review would be
completed at the staff level, to which the Supervising Planner
responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Johnson inquired what is the current square footage of each
structure.
The Reconstruction Specialist II responded 1530 and 1532 Ninth
Street are 1100 square feet and would be increased to 3106 square
feet; 1532 1� Ninth Street is 1066 and would be increased to 2632
square feet.
Councilmember Daysog requested an explanation of the "Golden Mean."
The Supervising Planner responded the Golden Mean was accepted by
Council as part of the residential design guidelines and creates a
proportion for Victorians with the upper level larger than the
lower level; the upper level has to be 600.
Councilmember deHaan inquired how long the Golden Mean has been in
place, to which the Supervising Planner responded less than two
years.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the site would be re- graded
to comply with the Golden Mean, to which the Supervising Planner
responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember deHaan inquired what would be the level of the
walkways, to which the Supervising Planner responded the walkways
would be level with the entry; retaining walls would be used.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether soil would be higher [than
the walkways], to which Supervising Planner responded in the
affirmative.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the [grading] approach has
been used before, to which the Supervising Planner responded in the
negative.
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September 5, 2006
Councilmember deHaan questioned whether precedence would be set;
inquired about the driveway width.
The Supervising Planner stated the driveway is eight feet.
Mayor Johnson opened the Public Hearing.
Proponents (In favor of appeal): Li -Sheng Fu, Architect.
Opponents (Opposed to appeal): Candace Fitzgerald, Alameda.
Neutral: Christopher Buckley, RAPS; Richard W. Rutter, RAPS; and
Mark Irons, Historical Advisory Board (provided handout).
Mayor Johnson closed the public portion of the Hearing.
(06 -444) Following Mr. Buckley's comments, Councilmember Matarrese
moved approval of continuing the meeting past 12:00 midnight.
Vice Mayor Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
Mayor Johnson stated the house reminds her of a house on Pacific
Avenue; she would like more detail to make the buildings'
appearance look like the original character of the house; the side
views are not attractive; she is concerned with the size of the
structures.
Councilmember deHaan stated the project provides the key to
compromising the Golden Mean; further stated the project done with
the City's help on San Jose Avenue is disproportionate with the
rest of the community; in addition to the Golden Mean, the width of
the driveway is of concern.
Mayor Johnson clarified although RAPS is not supporting the
project, its position is not opposed.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the Golden Mean is a visual
presentation based on aesthetics; achieving the Golden Mean by
grading is a legitimate approach; squeezing in the number of units
and parking spaces seems difficult; however, the project cannot be
turned down if it meets the Code; the Code should be changed if
Council does not like the way the Code works; that he would prefer
the front path to go straight to the door; the project is not
simple and is massive.
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September 5, 2006
Mayor Johnson stated Design Review is not being considered; that
she agrees with the HAB that the alterations as proposed would
adversely affect the historic significance of the dwellings; the
compromises reached are not enough to maintain the historic
character of the buildings; review of the historic nature should
not be limited to the front.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he would support sending the
matter back to see if the HAB can work out a solution to meet the
goal of maintaining the historic integrity as much as possible.
Councilmember Daysog stated a decision could be made on design
issues that the HAB reviewed; the main issue is the Golden Mean;
the Golden Mean is based on nature, such as trees and seashells;
digging down might satisfy the ratio on paper, but he is worried
and would like the HAB to review the matter further.
Mayor Johnson stated size is an issue and relates to historic
character.
Vice Mayor Gilmore stated that she has concerns with size, massing,
and the width of the driveway; however, the structures meet the
zoning regulations; the zoning regulations need to be changed or an
overlay needs to be added that applies to Victorians and historic
structures if Council does not like the way the project looks; the
project should not be penalized because Council does not like the
way it looks; sides of Victorian structures tend to be plain; the
structure is old and has not been cared for; someone is willing to
"rehab" the structures; being strict on every project might keep
people from attempting to fix historic structures; questioned
whether allowing historic structures to decay is better; stated
someone has to pay for the project; three of the four outstanding
issues have been resolved; the walkway is not under the HAB's
purview; that she supports overturning the HAB's decision and would
provide direction to staff to negotiate with the architect and
receive input from RAPS on the front walkway.
Mayor Johnson stated that the City has additional authority because
demolition of a historic structure is being requested; the proposal
is to almost triple the size of three adjacent structures;
concurred with Councilmember Matarrese's suggestion to send the
matter back to the HAB; stated relative size to the neighborhood
should be considered.
Councilmember deHaan stated that he concurs with Mayor Johnson; the
projects on Pacific and San Jose Avenues are disproportionate and
stretched the envelope; the project drops 18 inches to get into the
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September 5, 2006
lower level; there has to be another way; he is concerned with mass
and the eight -foot driveway; the Fire Department should review the
driveway.
Councilmember Matarrese requested staff to clarify whether the
eight -foot driveway meets code.
The Supervising Planner stated the existing driveway can be
retained; further stated the minimum code for driveways now is
eight and a half feet.
Councilmember Matarrese stated relation to other houses in the
neighborhood is a planning and design issue.
Mayor Johnson stated more work needs to be done; size is relevant
to the historic character of the house; approving the demolition is
an extraordinary act and historic preservation should be expected
in return; the duplexes are going to be larger than some houses in
Alameda; limiting the size and requesting more details would
preserve the historic character.
Councilmember Matarrese moved that the matter be sent back to the
HAB to review the impact of the expansion on the historic nature of
the structures and review additional detail to bring the structures
closer to original form.
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, with the caveat that one
of the structures could be moved closer to the property line, which
could change the opportunity of making the project work and change
access points.
Under discussion, Vice Mayor Gilmore stated there are examples of
remodels that have gone wrong; the project meets Code but no one
likes the look; questioned when the Code would be changed; stated
people trying to do projects should have a better idea about what
is acceptable.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the big issue is the 300
[demolition] or else the project should go forward.
Councilmember deHaan noted the City should be vigilant; City
funding is going into the project.
The Supervising Planner noted that the houses are covered in
asbestos shingles and the detail would not be known until the
shingles are removed; therefore, the drawing is devoid of some
details; the shadow line would be found to determine trim detail.
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September 5, 2006
Mayor Johnson stated that she did not notice a provision that
requires restoration of trim detail.
The Supervising Planner stated a condition requires the project be
completed to the satisfaction of the Planning and Building
Director.
Mayor Johnson stated trim might help; hopefully something else can
be done to the side of the buildings.
Councilmember Matarrese clarified the intent of the motion is to
have the HAB come up with a solution and not send the matter back
to Council; requested staff to convey that the HAB should work with
the architect and owner to come up with a solution and address the
issues of: mass relative to the historic proportions of the
buildings and visual appearance from the street to ensure the
buildings are rehabilitated to look like Victorians, not something
else.
Mayor Johnson stated size is important to her; duplexes, with each
unit bigger than many homes in Alameda, are not needed.
Ms. Fitzgerald noted the average house size on Mastic Court is 850
square feet.
Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired whether the Council would be pleased
with something short of complete restoration if the matter were
sent back to the HAB.
Mayor Johnson stated that she does not expect complete restoration
and does not mind some increase in size.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he wants something to work; the
buildings are not attractive, are deteriorating and need to be
upgraded in a timely manner; requested the matter be placed on the
next HAB Meeting agenda.
Councilmember deHaan stated that he would like to see how the
Golden Mean could be met without the grading option; all
alternatives should be exercised; the grading option might work
without handicap access.
The Planning and Building Director stated staff would work with the
architect and RAPS; since the buildings are not on the historic
list, the HAB review is only whether the building can be altered,
not all the details of restoration.
Mayor Johnson stated the HAB has authority to make the finding that
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Alameda City Council 15
September 5, 2006
the project, as proposed, would adversely affect the historic
significance of the dwelling; further stated there has to be a
commitment that what is built maintains the historic significance
as the tradeoff to allow demolition.
Councilmember deHaan stated the buildings were constructed in the
1800's; the property is important even though the buildings are not
on the historic list.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the intention of the motion is to
have the HAB look at alternative plans to address the issue of mass
and the appearance from the front; that he does not want the
direction construed as a restoration critique; the Council wants
the project to appear that it belongs, people to know the buildings
are Victorians by looking at the buildings, and does not want the
buildings turned into something else; the HAB has to focus down
with input from AAPS, the architect and owner.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the HAB reviewed the grading
issue, to which the Planning and Building Director responded in the
affirmative.
Councilmember deHaan restated that he seconded the motion.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following
voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, deHaan, Matarrese and
Mayor Johnson - 4. Noes: Vice Mayor Gilmore - 1.
(06 -445) Public Hearing to consider Adoption of Resolution
Amending Master Fee Resolution No. 12191 to Revise and Streamline
the Planning and Building, Public Works and Fire Departments Fee
Schedules. Continued.
The City Manager suggested that the matter be continued for 30
days.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of continuing the matter for
30 days.
Vice Mayor Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
(06 -446) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal
Code by Amending Subsection 13- 2.2(e) (Modifications, Amendments
and Deletions to the California Building Code) of Section 13 -2
(Alameda Building Code) of Chapter XIII (Building and Housing) , to
Incorporate Specific Requirements for the Installation of Fire
Extinguishing Systems. Continued to September 19, 2006.
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Alameda City Council 16
September 5, 2006
Councilmember deHaan moved approval of continuing to matter for two
weeks.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
(06 -447) Public Hearing to consider ZA06 -0001, Zoning Ordinance
Text Amendment City -wide; and
(06 -447A) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal
Code by Amending Subsection 30- 4.9A.g.8 (Off- Street Parking and
Loading Space) of the C -C Community Commercial Zone of Chapter XXX
(Development Regulations), to Add a Process for Parking Exceptions.
Continued to September 19, 2006.
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of continuing the matter for
two weeks.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA
(06 -448) Michael Krueger, Alameda, stated the Santa Clara Avenue
and Willow Avenue transit shelter and the Santa Clara Avenue and
Walnut Street canopy need maintenance; graffiti is present at both
transit shelters.
Councilmember deHaan stated vandalism increases if condoned;
graffiti has not been brought down to a working level; efforts need
to be made to clean up graffiti immediately.
(06 -449) Jon Spangler, Alameda, thanked Mayor Johnson for sticking
up for the historic preservation aspect of the Ninth Street
property and Commissioner Matarrese for coming up with a solution
on the Rutledge appeal.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(06 -450) Consideration of Mayor's nominations for the Economic
Development Commission, Golf Commission, and Recreation and Park
Commission.
Mayor Johnson nominated Jessica Lindsey and Alan J. Ryan for
appointment to the Economic Development Commissioner, Betsy E.
Gammell for appointment to the Golf Commission, and Jo Kahuanui for
appointment to the Recreation and Park Commission.
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Alameda City Council 17
September 5, 2006
(06 -451) Councilmember deHaan stated the Tube lighting has been on
the board for at least three years and CalTrans has deferred the
project for two years; he would like the issue to be tracked; the
project needs to move forward.
(06 -452) Councilmember deHaan stated the Central Avenue
[crosswalk] embedded lighting is not functioning; inquired when the
Park Street embedded lighting would be done near Boniere Bakery.
(06 -453) Councilmember deHaan stated that Park Street trash
receptacles overflowed from the weekend; trash pick up should be
brought under control within the City before the rainy season.
(06 -454) Councilmember Matarrese stated repairs are being made on
Lincoln Avenue and Park Street overhead wires; half of the weed -
filled triangle near Tilden Way has been shaved away; inquired
whether the other half could be shaved and landscaped.
The City Manager responded the issue would be addressed.
(06 -455) Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether Long's Drug
Store was supposed to do some landscape upgrades.
The City Manager stated she should look into the matter.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he would like to see some
landscaping on the corner across from City Hall.
(06 -456) Mayor Johnson stated that large weeds have grown at the
Otis Drive median off the Bay Farm Bridge.
The City Manager stated she would talk to the Public Works Director
about the matter.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the
Regular Meeting at 12:55 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
Regular Meeting
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September 5, 2006