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2007-03-06 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- -MARCH 6, 2007- -7:30 P.M. Mayor Johnson convened the Regular City Council meeting at 7:38 p.m. Councilmember deHaan led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers deHaan, Gilmore, Matarrese, Tam and Mayor Johnson - 5. Absent: None. AGENDA CHANGES None. PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (07 -102) Proclamation declaring the week of March 18 -24, 2007 as Friends of the Alameda Free Library Appreciation. Mayor Johnson read and presented the proclamation to Molly Skeen, Friends of the Alameda Free Library President and Karen Butter, Library Board President. (07 -103) Mayor Johnson announced that a Joint City Council and School Board Meeting would be held on March 15, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at Ruby Bridges Elementary School; stated the meeting will focus on discussing cooperative programs and joint efforts. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Matarrese moved approval 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.] ( *07 -104) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings held on February 20, 2007. Approved. ( *07 -105) Ratified bills in the amount of $5,535,381.13. ( *07 -106) Recommendation to accept the work of AJW Construction for Installation of Rubberized Sidewalk, No. P.W. 02- 06 -05. Accepted. ( *07 -107) Resolution No. 14074, "Ordering Vacation of a Portion of a Power and Public Utility Easement and a Power, Public Utility and Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 1 March 6, 2007 East Bay Municipal Utility District Easement within Parcels 5 and 6 of Parcel Map 4013, Filed Map Book 138, at Page 5 and 6, Alameda County Official Records." Adopted. ( *07 -108) Resolution No. 14075, "Approving Final Map, Authorizing Execution of Subdivision Improvement Agreement and Accepting Easements for Tract 7846 (626 Buena Vista Avenue)." Adopted. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (07 -109) Resolution No. 14076, "Appointing Bill R. Delaney as a Member of the Golf Commission." Adopted. Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the resolution. Vice Mayor Tam seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office and presented Mr. Delaney with a certificate of appointment. (07 -110) Consideration of the Establishment of a Youth Advisory Commission. The Recreation and Parks Director gave a brief presentation. Mayor Johnson thanked staff and the Youth Collaborative for working on the matter. Freshta Esmat, Home Project, encouraged formation of a Youth Commission; suggested the Commission report to the City Council; stated adequate resources are necessary; the Commission should meet monthly. Jane Sperling Wise, Home Project Director, encouraged formation of a Youth Commission; stated the Commission needs to have a dedicated staff member. Cesar Pujolia Martinez, Home Project, encouraged formation of a Youth Commission; stated that the Commission should meet at least once a month. Mayor Johnson stated the City has never established a formal way for youth to have a voice in the community; the Council should provide comments on the Commission structure; then, staff and the Youth Collaborative can work on the issue and bring it back; seven members might not be enough to get a good representation of youth, but the Commission should not be huge; the group should probably Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 2 March 6, 2007 meet once a month; the ordinance sets the minimum amount of meetings and the Commission could decide to hold additional meetings as needed; the focus should not appear to be just a youth recreation commission; the Commission should address broader issues; whether the Commission reports to the Recreation and Parks Commission or City Council directly, there should not appear to be a narrow focus of recreation and sports for youth in Alameda. Councilmember Matarrese stated the Commission should report to the City Council; transportation is an issue beyond recreation, particularly with young drivers and bus riders; the Commission should address congestion around schools; that he would like a representative from each high school; the number of Commissioners should be reasonable; the number of seats should be seven, nine or eleven; a two -year term would help cycle people through; the seats should be limited to high school age students. Mayor Johnson stated that there should be eleven members; the number of members could be changed if needed; concurred that there should be one representative from each high school; members should be selected from among the list of other groups represented, not necessarily one representative from each group; having a Youth Commission will be a benefit to the community; the youth in Alameda are thoughtful and dedicated. Councilmember deHaan stated that he concurs with the direction to have two -year terms; the larger number sets up needed continuity; representatives from the five high schools is all important; inquired whether or not the Alameda Youth Committee was active. The Recreation and Parks Director responded the Committee was fairly active but was more of a program advisory group that held events and did not address policy and Citywide issues. Councilmember deHaan stated the City is stepping into a policy type Commission; concurred with the idea of having the Commission report to the Council. Mayor Johnson stated that she would like the Commission to address jobs, especially summer jobs, for youth in Alameda. Councilmember deHaan stated issues, such as recreation, transportation and social, would provide the Youth Commission an opportunity to interface with other boards and commissions. Vice Mayor Tam stated that she is supportive of the formation of the Commission; allowing the youth to participate more closely in government should be empowering; there should be an expansive range Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 3 March 6, 2007 to create synergies between high school and college students; in addition to representatives from each high school, there should be a good geographic representation throughout the City. Mayor Johnson requested that the ordinance include the requirement that the Commission members be Alameda residents. Councilmember Matarrese inquired when the ordinance would return to Council, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded forty -five days. (07 -111) Consideration of an Appeal of the Transportation Commission's decision to install new bus stops on Otis Drive at Pond Isle, and approve staff's recommendation to install bus stops at Otis Drive and Sandcreek Way, and Otis Drive and Willow Street. The Program Specialist II gave a brief Power Point presentation. Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the 63 travels down Whitehall Road and Willow Street to get to Otis Drive, to which the Program Specialist II responded in the affirmative. Vice Mayor Tam stated many bus stops on Otis Drive do not have painted crosswalks; requested an explanation of the requirement to install crosswalks. The Program Specialist II responded the crosswalk would be required at Pond Isle as the result of litigation involving a transit entity; new stops are required to have painted crosswalks; previous stops were grandfathered and do not require crosswalks. Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether buses stop if riders are not waiting at stops, to which the Program Specialist II responded in the negative. Councilmember deHaan inquired how often the bus actually needs to stop west of Grand Street. The Program Specialist II responded ridership data is available, not the number of times buses stop; provided data. Councilmember deHaan inquired whether it is fair to say that the buses do not stop 800 of the time, to which the Program Specialist II responded that he could not provide the percentage, but certainly the bus does not stop a significant number of times. Councilmember deHaan stated the stop is not mandatory; the bus moves through; inquired whether the location of the 50 -line bus Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 4 March 6, 2007 stop on Otis Drive is at the intersection of Willow Street. The Program Specialist II responded the stop is east of Willow Street. Councilmember deHaan stated if the 63 -line stops at Willow Street, there would be two bus stops servicing different needs within a close area; requested ridership data for the 50 -line at said stop. The Program Specialist II responded that he did not have said information. Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the characteristics would be similar since both are servicing the hospital and shopping area, to which the Program Specialist II responded similar land uses are served, however the destinations differ. Mayor Johnson requested the Police Department to comment on current safety issues. Traffic Officer Rodrigue stated the safety concerns have been met due to Public Works installing in- ground lights, bollards and new signs and markings at the crosswalk; the crossing guards have been instructed to keep children from crossing until after the bus stops and passes. Councilmember Gilmore inquired the distance between the bus stop and crosswalk, to which Officer Rodrigue responded approximately 120 feet. Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether the cars would have to look around the bus to see people at the crosswalk and whether the crosswalk would be before the bus stop in the other direction. Officer Rodrigue responded the bus stops would be before the crosswalks in both directions. Mayor Johnson inquired whether the issues that prompted the Police Department to send a letter to AC Transit no longer exist and whether the Police Department is satisfied with returning the bus stop to the prior location. Officer Rodrigue responded in the affirmative. Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether there is a history of accidents with children involved under the prior configuration. Officer Rodrigue responded only two accidents have occurred in the Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 5 March 6, 2007 corridor from January 2005 to present. Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether the accidents involved buses, to which Officer Rodrigue responded in the negative. Councilmember Gilmore requested Officer Rodrigue to detail the new Crossing Guard training. Officer Rodrigue responded the Crossing Guards have been instructed to review bus status prior to stepping into the crosswalk. Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether the Crossing Guards have been instructed to hold the children back when they see the bus coming, to which Officer Rodrigue responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the Police Officers have been monitoring the area since improvements have been made as part of routine traffic patrol. Officer Rodrigue responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the Police Officers have observed that the mitigations are effective, to which Officer Rodrigue responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the Police Officers have observed the Crossing Guards stopping the bus at the crosswalk as it travels past. Officer Rodrigue responded that he has not observed buses stopping for the crosswalk; however, the Crossing Guards stop the buses passing through just like other vehicles. Mayor Johnson opened the Public Hearing. Opponents (Opposed to bus stops) : Geoffrey Kline, Appellant; Mina Katoozian, Alameda; Maggy Menendez, Alameda; Pat Owens, Alameda; George S. Wales, Alameda; Patty Rose, Alameda; Peter Muzio, Alameda; Liz Cleves (submitted photos and paperwork), Alameda; Diane Voss, Alameda; Kevin Dong, Alameda; Barbara Nemer, Alameda; Dan Pereira, Alameda; Jack Boeger, Alameda; Michael John Torrey, Alameda; David Howard, Alameda; Bill Beltz, Alameda; Davina Vick, Alameda; Cheri Galan, Alameda; and Claudia Davison, Alameda. Proponents (In favor of bus stops) : Laura Thomas, Alameda; Susan Decker, Alameda Transit Advocates; and Jon Spangler, Alameda Transit Advocates. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 6 March 6, 2007 There being no further speakers, Mayor Johnson closed the public portion of the Hearing. In response to Mayor Johnson's request, Cesar Pujol, AC Traffic Engineer, provided a brief presentation. Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether Willow Street is wide enough for two buses to turn at the same time. Mr. Pujol responded the bus stop would need to be on Otis Drive because a left turn could not be made; stated it is always easier for a bus to stop before making a right turn rather than turn and stop afterwards. Councilmember deHaan stated Shoreline Drive is used for the Express W going to San Francisco; inquired whether Shoreline Drive ever had other bus service and might have a higher ridership. Sean Diest Lorgion, AC Transit Transportation Planner, responded Shoreline Drive had bus service at one time; stated buses were rerouted during the 2003 service cuts; the bus schedule has approximately 50 minutes of running time; higher costs are incurred with higher running time. Councilmember deHaan inquired whether ridership or running time is more important; stated Shoreline Drive is adjacent to a higher density area. Mr. Lorgion responded another bus would be needed if more time was added to a route; stated a different part of the route could be cut. Councilmember Matarrese inquired why the bus would not stop after the crosswalk on Sandcreek Way. The Program Specialist II responded sufficient space is not available in the westbound direction; stated the eastbound direction has a loading zone. Councilmember Gilmore inquired what would be the distance between the crosswalk and bus stop on the opposite side of the street from Lum School. The Program Specialist II responded he did not have the measurement; stated the distance would be less than the other side. Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether the Lum School Principal provided any input. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 7 March 6, 2007 The Public Works Director responded the school did not want to state a preference. Mayor Johnson inquired whether crosswalk changes had been made when the Transportation Commission addressed the matter. The Public Works Director responded some improvement were made; stated the triangular striping was not done; the Police Department viewed the area differently because of the eastbound changes for drop offs and pick ups at Lum School. Mayor Johnson inquired whether the drop off and pick up changes were made after the matter was presented to the Transportation Commission. The Program Specialist II responded the changes were implemented in August; stated the matter was brought to the Transportation Commission in May and again in September or October; the Police Department reassessed the matter and indicated that the changes made a sufficient difference. Vice Mayor Tam inquired how a bus driver would determine whether a person was waiting for a bus rather than waiting to cross or pick up a child. Mr. Pujol responded there would be an off set between the bus stop pole and the crosswalk. Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether buses stopped frequently at Sandcreek Way before, to which Mr. Pujol responded in the negative. Councilmember deHaan stated that he walks in the area twice a week; efforts have been made to improve safety; crossing the street is still a chore; he prefers to cross at Grand Street or Willow Street; having a marked crosswalk at Pond Isle would provide a false sense of security; ridership is encouraged; inquired why the Express W goes down Shoreline Drive if Otis Drive has high ridership; stated the 63 -line goes down Otis Drive because of run time; something is missing in the equation; all options should be reviewed; he cannot support adding additional stops. Councilmember Matarrese stated that he cannot see placing the bus stop at Sandcreek Way and Otis Drive; he is not worried about bus drivers; car drivers have been the cause of accidents involving children; he would be in favor of the Pond Isle bus stop except for the question of whether Pond Isle is the right place for a bus stop; he recommends that the matter go back to the Transportation Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 8 March 6, 2007 Commission to review Otis Drive alternatives other than Pond Isle or Sandcreek Way and rerouting the 63 -line back down to Shoreline Drive as the preferred alternative. Councilmember Gilmore stated that she is not in favor of putting a bus stop at Pond Isle because it might not be the correct way to route the bus; a major distraction would occur by putting a bus stop with a crosswalk at Pond Isle because people look ahead to the Lum School crosswalk; the City has a Transit Plan that encourages ridership; the City demanded that a Transit Plan be in place for the Alameda Point and Alameda Landing development on day one; the number one complaint is traffic and congestion which can be reduced by having more conveniently located public transit; the City has to be proactive in working on the Transit Plan; she is not ready to recommend putting bus stops on Otis Drive tonight; the City needs to work with AC Transit; the process is not driven by citizen requests. Councilmember Matarrese concurred with Councilmember Gilmore; stated traffic congestion is the number one complaint; buses are the best way to eliminate the continual use of single occupancy vehicles; tonight is not the night to decide on bus stop locations; too many questions are unanswered; he does not want a bus stop at Sandcreek Way and Otis Drive; he recommends that the matter go back to the Transportation Commission and staff work with AC Transit on finding an alternative stop on Otis Drive or a reroute that would help pick up ridership as well as mitigate the issue that has occurred between Sandcreek Way and Willow Street and Whitehall Place. Mayor Johnson stated cars are a hazard around schools, not bus drivers; traffic is a big concern; traffic problems are not solved by taking out bus stops; concurred that options need to be reviewed; people will complain regardless of where bus stops are placed; the matter should go back to the Transportation Commission. Vice Mayor Tam stated transit options will be necessary as the Alameda Towne Centre is developed; she advocates having a bus stop as close to Alameda Hospital as possible; sufficient information is not available to distinguish whether the bus stop should be at Sandcreek Way or Pond Isle; she leans toward having the bus stop at Pond Isle because a safety buffer is needed between the pedestrian crossing; she would like to receive more information regarding the frequency of bus stops and the necessity of routes. Councilmember deHaan stated the Whitehall Place walkway is no more than three feet wide and is inadequate; pedestrians walk in the roadway to get to the Alameda Towne Centre; requested staff to work Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 9 March 6, 2007 on rectifying the Whitehall Place walkway with the Alameda Towne Centre developer; concurred with Vice Mayor Tam regarding having a bus stop close to Alameda Hospital. Councilmember Matarrese moved that the matter be sent back to staff with review by the Transportation Commission to look at alternatives to the Sandcreek Way bus stop and possible rerouting of the 63 -line to Shoreline Drive. Mayor Johnson suggested including other alternatives developed by staff. Councilmember Matarrese amended his motion to include other alternatives that may be developed by staff in concert with AC Transit. Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember deHaan stated increased ridership is important; people need to have the opportunity to use the bus service to the utmost. Councilmember Gilmore stated information has been requested on the number of riders and how many times the bus stops. Councilmember Matarrese stated said information would part of the technical discussion. Councilmember Gilmore stated direction should be given to complete said technical discussion. Councilmember Matarrese concurred with Councilmember Gilmore. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA (07 -112) Ed Gersich, Alameda, discussed the need for a bus stop at the USS Hornet. Mayor Johnson inquired what is the closest stop to the USS Hornet, to which Mr. Gersich responded the Ferry Terminal. Mayor Johnson stated bus service was a lot closer before. Mr. Gersich stated the USS Hornet had bus service before the [AC Transit] 2003 budget cuts. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 10 March 6, 2007 (07 -113) Bill Smith, Alameda, discussed the environment. (07 -114) Jon Spangler, Alameda, stated many people are unaware that the Farmers' Market is open again. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (07 -115) Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether updates would be provided on the Climate Protection Task Force; further inquired whether the Committee would provide recommendations on control or elimination of styrofoam containers in the City. The City Manager responded staff would provide an update on the work plan; styrofoam was to be added to the work plan. Councilmember Matarrese requested that styrofoam containers be addressed as a priority; stated other cities have ordinances. (07 -116) Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the Arts Commission would be involved in Cultural Art Center discussions. The City Manager responded the matter would be addressed at the next Arts Commission Meeting. (07 -117) Councilmember Matarrese stated communications were received from Asuchio, El Salvador; a translated report will be provided to the City Clerk for distribution to Council. (07 -118) Vice Mayor Tam thanked staff for the Off Agenda Report on the library; stated the Library Construction and Renovation Bond, SB 156, was introduced in the State Senate recently; the $4 billion bond measure is expected to go on the primary ballot in 2008; inquired whether Council could take a supportive position on the bill. The City Manager responded an update would be provided on where the issue stands in the process. Councilmember deHaan stated a joint committee was established eight months ago between Councils of Alameda and Oakland to discuss build out and how impacts on each other; major build out is occurring in Oakland; inquired whether the committee has met. Councilmember Matarrese responded in the negative. Councilmember deHaan requested that the Planning Department provide an update on Oakland's upcoming projects. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 1 1 March 6, 2007 (07 -119) Councilmember deHaan stated the City adopted a resolution in 1996 stating that the City would prepare for an electric vehicle model City program; a commitment was made and needs to be pursued further. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 10:10 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 12 March 6, 2007