2008-02-05 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- - FEBRUARY 5, 2008- -7:30 P.M.
Mayor Johnson convened the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:01
p.m.
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
(08 -043) Proclamation declaring the period of January 30 through
April 4, 2008 as A Season for Nonviolence.
Mayor Johnson read the proclamation.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Johnson announced that the Minutes [paragraph no. 08 -044] and
the recommendation to allocate $153,373 [paragraph no. 08 -050] were
removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the remainder of the
Consent Calendar.
Councilmember 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.]
(08 -044) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings
held on January 15, 2008. Approved.
Councilmember Gilmore requested that Page 23 of the Regular City
Council minutes reflect that direction was given to the HAB to
review and tighten up standards; stated Page 8 should read ... good
trade -offs.
Councilmember deHaan stated that Page 15 of the Regular City
Council minutes should read ...the rule is to run buses where there
is density.
Councilmember Gilmore moved approval of the minutes with noted
changed.
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February 5, 2008
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
( *08 -045) Ratified bills in the amount of $7,576,315.14.
( *08 -046) Recommendation to accept the City of Alameda Investment
Policy. Accepted.
( *08 -047) Recommendation to authorize the purchase of three marked
Dodge Charger Police Vehicles through the State of California
Vehicle Bid Contract. Accepted.
( *08 -048) Recommendation to accept the work of Republic Intelligent
Transportation Inc. for the In- pavement Crosswalk Lights at Eighth
Street and Taylor Avenue, No. P.W. 05- 05 -04. Accepted.
( *08 -049) Recommendation to accept the work of Republic Intelligent
Transportation, Inc. for the In- Pavement Crosswalk Lights at
various locations, No. P.W. 07- 04 -07. Accepted.
(08 -050) Recommendation to allocate $153,373 in Regional Measure
1-2% Grants and $75,627 in Measure B - Transbay Ferry Funds and
approve a First Amendment to the Contract in the amount of
$229,000, including contingencies, to Marine Express, Inc., for the
Main Street Ferry Terminal Barge Maintenance Project.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired how the timeline overlaps with the
Ferry Service transfer to the Water Transportation Authority.
The Ferry Services Manager responded the Alameda Reuse and
Redevelopment Authority (ARRA) barge could be installed at Main
Street within the next two or three weeks.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Tam seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
( *08 -051) Resolution No.
Attorney for Island City
District 84 -2." Adopted.
14181, "Appointing an Engineer and an
Landscaping and Lighting Assessment
( *08 -052) Resolution No. 14182, "Appointing an Engineer and an
Attorney for City of Alameda Maintenance District 01 -1 (Marina
Cove)." Adopted.
( *08 -053) Recommendation to approve the Amended and Restated
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February 5, 2008
Employment Agreement for the City Attorney. Accepted.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(08 -054) Resolution No. 14183, "Setting a Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Goal of 25% Below the 2005 Baseline Level, Adopting the Local
Action Plan for Climate Protection, and Dissolving the Climate
Protection Task Force." Adopted.
The Supervising Planner gave a Power Point Presentation.
Stanley Schiffman, Climate Protection Task Force Chair, read a
letter outlining the Climate Protection Task Force recommendations;
urged Council to adopt the resolution.
The Supervising Planner summarized the Climate Protection Task
Force recommendations.
Proponents: Bill Smith, Alameda; David Burton, Climate Protection
Task Force Member; Stanley Schiffman, Climate Protection Task
Force.
Councilmember deHaan stated Assembly Bill 32 requires a reduction
in greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020; inquired what
was the 1990 level.
Mr. Schiffman responded the level is lower now because the former
Naval Base closed.
Councilmember deHaan inquired how Assembly Bill 32 mandates would
intertwine [with the Local Action Plan].
The Supervising Planner responded Assembly Bill 32 is an emissions
reduction for the State and will be implemented by the Air
Resources Board; stated nothing will be seen until 2009; 2005 was
chosen as the baseline because data was available; 1990 data is not
available.
Councilmember deHaan stated that many of the priorities are every
day staff actions; questioned whether some priorities would require
additional staff time; stated that he would like to see
accountability for funding requirements.
The Supervising Planner stated staff would come back with funding
sources during the next budget cycle; currently, staff is
negotiating with a consultant on sustainable and green building
ordinances.
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Councilmember deHaan stated that currently, the City is setting
priorities; inquired how said priorities would be integrated.
The City Manager responded a work plan is already in progress for
green building; stated other items would need to be reviewed
individually.
Mr. Schiffman stated the Task Force does not expect that the City
and citizens can do everything on the list; the recommendations are
more of a mission than an engineering plan; the top five
initiatives are the most critical and highest priority.
Vice Mayor Tam commended and congratulated the Task Force; stated
Alameda is taking a strong leadership role with greenhouse gas
emissions; obtaining a 1000 carbon -free mix is already built into
the system; the "Zero Waste Strategy" is listed as the top tier
priority versus vehicle use reductions; inquired whether the issue
is a matter of control or actual tonnage.
The Supervising Planner responded modeling was performed; the "Zero
Waste Strategy" is number one because it reduces methane in the
landfills.
Vice Mayor Tam stated that one of the recommendations is to work
with the School District to implement a recycling program; the
School District contracts with Waste Management and does not have a
recycling component; inquired whether said recommendation could be
pursued independently through Alameda County Industries (ACI).
The Supervising Planner responded there are Contract and potential
union issues; stated the issue could be approached through
community outreach.
Mayor Johnson stated that students know how to recycle and get
upset when everything goes in the garbage at the schools.
Mr. Schiffman stated the School District has a cheaper contract by
hauling everything off in one unit.
Vice Mayor Tam stated that she is comfortable with the report.
Vice Mayor Tam moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Matarrese thanked each member of
the Task Force; stated that the job of the Task Force is not over;
discussions can be deferred to a later date regarding the formation
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of a Commission; he would like to have the Task Force reconvene at
special points; one job could be to link up Task Force priorities
to the City's project list; the Task Force could review the budget
and measure against priorities; an educational component was
discussed when the Task Force was created; the job is half way
done; people need to know about the priorities and how progress
will be measured; some lower tier priorities could be accomplished,
such as getting biodiesel into the diesel fleet; he is in support
of the staff recommendation with the exception of dissolving the
Task Force; the Task Force should review the prioritization list
and budget before adoption and work on publicizing the outcome of
the effort; the future of the Task Force should be revisited at the
end of the summer.
Vice Mayor Tam concurred with Councilmember Matarrese; inquired
whether on -going participation would be in violation of the Brown
Act.
The City Attorney responded if the Task Force was considered to be
a standing committee with on -going duties for a greater length of
time, it would be considered a legislative body under the Brown Act
and would have to meet in a public setting; Council could
reconstitute the group in some other format.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the Brown Act would prevail
if a working task force under the Planning Board or PUB were
established.
The City Attorney responded a committee, commission or sub -group
with a specific task or purpose of somewhat limited duration would
not be considered to be a Brown Act committee.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether not noticing the meetings
was being considered.
Vice Mayor Tam stated the question is a process question; she
supports having a Citizen Advisory group help with priority
settings and help examine how the recommendations fit in the
budget; inquired whether there is an obligation as part of the
motion to re- establish some type of Citizen Advisory group that is
different than the Climate Protection Task Force originally formed
in 2006.
The Supervising Planner stated a public forum was held regarding
the Local Action Plan; the last recommendation is to come back and
determine whether or not an on -going commission should be
established.
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Mayor Johnson inquired whether a Citizen Advisory group would
provide input to Council and staffing would not be necessary.
The City Attorney responded that it could be done that way.
Councilmember Gilmore stated several Task Force members are members
of other commissions; constituting the Task Force in present form
would be problematic.
The City Attorney stated if a short -term committee meets for a
longer period, it then becomes a Standing Committee; a Standing
Committee is required to hold meetings in public under the Brown
Act.
Councilmember Matarrese stated priorities need to be used to
measure what comes out of the overall City prioritization list and
what has to be measured within the budget; Planning Board members
are overwhelmed and may not be able to meet on the issues; he likes
the idea of a Citizen Advisory Committee.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether a Citizen Advisory Committee could
meet without City staff.
The City Manager stated the Task Force could be dissolved and
options could be brought back to Council regarding implementation
of a Citizen Advisory Committee as well as Councilmember
Matarrese's recommendation regarding the budget process and
priority setting.
Councilmember Matarrese stated issues are critical; Council will
determine how critical the issues are when money and resources are
allocated; behaviors need to change if goals are to be met; he
likes the idea of reconstituting the Task Force.
Councilmember Gilmore requested that the motion be restated.
Councilmember Tam restated the previous motion: adoption of the
resolution with direction for staff to provide feedback on how a
Citizen's Advisory Committee can be established to help with the
budget and priority setting process.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 5.
Councilmember Gilmore thanked the Task Force; stated the Task Force
has a great deal of passion regarding the matter.
(08 -055) Recommendation to authorize the City Manager to execute
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an Amended Contract with the National Golf Foundation to provide
Master Planning Services in an amount not to exceed $80,000.
The Recreation and Park Director gave a brief presentation.
Mayor Johnson inquired what is the status on budget and revenues.
The Recreation and Park Director responded January was not a good
month; stated the last couple of days have been better; the deficit
was $300,000 at the end of December; new marking campaign efforts
have been implemented to increase the number of tournaments.
Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether there is any hope of making up
rounds, to which the Recreation and Park Director responded there
is always hope.
Mayor Johnson stated that the Junior Golf Program needs to be
strengthened.
The Recreation and Park Director stated some work has been done to
bring the Mif Albright Course back to the original configuration.
Mayor Johnson stated that golf instruction is critical; only eight
people were at the driving range on Saturday; the driving range
should be viewed as a golf promotion.
The Recreation and Park Director stated Recreation Programs will be
linked to the Golf Course.
Councilmember deHaan stated wet weather kills Alameda's Golf
Courses; Metropolitan Golf Links and Monarch Bay are very active
one day after rain; both courses have great drainage; loyalty is
lost when players cannot play; making the Golf Course playable is
important.
Mayor Johnson stated Metropolitan Golf Link's parking lot was full
on Saturday and is directly related to the drainage.
Opponent: Jane Sullwold, Golf Commission Chair.
Councilmember deHaan stated a lot of information has already been
presented and is a matter of embellishing said information;
questioned whether utilizing marketing consultants would be worth
the money; stated the Golf Commission and staff could be
supportive.
The Recreation and Park Director stated the National Golf
Foundation (NGF) has nationwide knowledge regarding trends that
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would be helpful.
Mayor Johnson stated NGF has provided an operational analysis;
master planning is requested now.
Councilmember Gilmore stated that Council wants NGF to review Golf
Commission recommendations; information is needed to decide the
future of the Golf Course; the community needs to decide what the
Golf Course should look like.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the Request for Proposal
(RFP) amount is included [in the $80,000], to which the Recreation
and Park Director responded in the negative.
Councilmember deHaan concurred with Councilmember Gilmore; stated
many things will be brought to the table; $80,000 is expensive for
a follow up Contract; inquired whether $80,000 was the amount of
the bid.
The City Manager responded in the affirmative; stated said amount
includes an analysis of Golf Commission recommendations, such as
reconfiguration.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the cost could be more than $80,000
if staff did the work; $80,000 is a very small price to pay for a
multi - million dollar operation; NFG would build on the suggestions
and assessment of what is wrong with the current operation; the
issue is too important to penny pinch.
Mayor Johnson concurred with Councilmember Matarrese; stated that
she agrees with the Ms. Sullwold regarding the $80,000 figure;, but
does not think that there is a choice given the nature of future
decisions.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
(08 -056) Recommendation to adopt the Legislative Program for 2008.
The Deputy City Manager gave a brief presentation.
Mayor Johnson stated the Legislative Program is a good thing to do
and provides an opportunity to react more immediately to federal
and State issues; she would like to have the Program updated on a
regular basis.
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The Deputy City Manager stated the General Principles allow
expansion of the document and state that local control and
protection of local revenue is important.
Mayor Johnson suggested that issues be placed under Council
Communications if a Councilmember needs to add an item; cities need
to advocate and take positions on State and federal issues.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the Program is excellent; periodic
updates are important; the School District crisis demands a place
on the list; the Governor's current budget addresses suspending
Proposition 98; the health of the School District is imperative to
the health of the City; the funding stream needs to be maintained;
requested that a resolution requesting the Governor to remove the
matter from the budget be placed on the next City Council agenda.
Councilmember deHaan stated that items the City has taken a
position on should be highlighted; he does not want to take any
power away from the Mayor; many times issues need to be responded
to immediately.
Mayor Johnson concurred with Councilmember deHaan.
Councilmember deHaan stated the City has not made a strong stand on
some of the items.
Vice Mayor Tam inquired whether Councilmember deHaan was referring
to a particular item.
Councilmember deHaan responded E- commerce and Spay /Neuter Laws.
Councilmember Gilmore stated Proposition lA did not provide
protection for redevelopment money; she would like Council to take
a strong stance on the matter.
The Deputy City Manager stated the League of California Cities has
argued that redevelopment funding is protected under Proposition
lA; the matter can be added to the Program.
Proponents: Michele Lagana, Oakland; Kristie Phelps, People for
the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Councilmember deHaan moved approval of the staff recommendation
with the caveat not to take away the Mayor's ability to act on spur
of the moment issues.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion with direction to add a
category for school funding.
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Under discussion, Mayor Johnson stated Councilmembers should be
able to add or review specific issues on an on -going basis and
there should be an expedited process.
Vice Mayor Tam stated that she is in support of the motion; the
Program would enable her to be more productive at the League of
California Cities' meetings.
Mayor Johnson stated the Alameda County Conference of Mayors is
adopting a Legislative Program in order to become more politically
active at the State level.
The City Manager stated staff would be able to respond to
legislative alerts; departments may want to add to the list.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 5.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON- AGENDA
(08 -057) Bill Smith, Alameda, discussed the danger of waste.
(08 -058) Bill Dodge, Alameda, discussed the crisis in healthcare
and education; urged Council to call a crisis meeting to see what
the City can do.
(08 -059) Michael John Torrey, Alameda, discussed the Disaster
Preparedness Fair on February 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the
Garden Isle Community Center.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(08 -060) Consideration of Mayor's nomination for appointment to
the Housing Commission and Mayor's appointments to the Airport
Operations Committee and Rent Review Advisory Committee.
Mayor Johnson nominated Ching -Ching Ganley for appointment to the
Housing Commission and appointed David Perry to the Rent Review
Advisory Committee; continued appointments to the Airport
Operations Committee.
(08 -061) Councilmember deHaan stated that he attended the Housing
Authority Town Hall Meeting; individuals had minor concerns; staff
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was straight forward in responding to issues.
(08 -062) Vice Mayor Tam stated that she, Councilmember deHaan, the
City Manager and Alameda Development Corporation members
participated in building and framing homes for Habitat for Humanity
at the Buena Vista Commons.
Councilmember deHaan stated AmeriCorps volunteers led the work
party.
Mayor Johnson stated that she attended a meeting with Habitat for
Humanity yesterday; volunteering is a great experience; interested
parties can sign up on the internet; the City's website has a link
to Habitat for Humanity; further stated that Habitat for Humanity
is building eight units [four duplexes] at Webster Street and Buena
Vista Avenue.
Vice Mayor Tam stated that approximately fifty volunteers
participated in the event.
Councilmember deHaan stated that families who will reside in the
home need to contribute 400 hours of labor.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the
Regular Meeting at 9:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
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