2008-06-17 Joint CC APFA ARRA CIC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL,
ALAMEDA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY (APFA) AND ALAMEDA
REUSE AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (ARRA) MEETING; AND
ANNUAL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION (CIC) MEETING
TUESDAY- -JUNE 17, 2008- -7:31 P.M.
Mayor /Chair Johnson convened the Special Joint City Council, APFA
and ARRA Meeting and Annual CIC Meeting at 8:53 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers / Authority Members /
Board Members / Commissioners deHaan,
Gilmore, Matarrese, Tam, and Mayor/ Chair
Johnson - 5.
Absent: None.
MINUTES
(08 -276 CC /08 -03 APFA /08 -35 CIC) Minutes of the Special Joint City
Council, Alameda Public Financing Authority, and Community
Improvement Commission Meeting held on June 3, 2008; and the
Special Joint City Council, Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment
Authority, and Community Improvement Commission Meeting held on
June 4, 2008. Approved.
Councilmember /Authority Member /Board Member /Commissioner Matarrese
moved approval of the minutes.
Councilmember /Authority Member /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan
seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
AGENDA ITEM
(08 -277 CC /08 -04 APFA) Public Hearing and related actions regarding
the Fiscal Year 2008 -09 Budget:
(08 -277A CC) Resolution No. 14222, "Authorizing and Directing the
Preparation and Execution of Certain Lease Financing Documents,
Authorizing the Preparation and Distribution of a Preliminary
Official Statement in Connection with the Offering and Sale of
Certificates of Participation Relating Thereto, and Authorizing and
Directing Certain Actions with Respect Thereto." Adopted; and
(08 -04A APFA) Resolution T
Directing Preparation and
Documents and Authorizing
Respect Thereto." Adopted.
D. 08 -17, "Approving, Authorizing and
Execution of Certain Lease Financing
and Directing Certain Actions with
Mayor /Chair Johnson inquired what would be the new interest rate.
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Community Improvement Commission
June 17, 2008
Bill Reynolds, Gardner Underwood & Bacon Financial Advisor,
responded rates are excepted to produce present value savings in
excess of 40; stated the exact rate would not be known until the
sale date; the assumption is that the rate would be in the mid 40
range.
Mayor /Chair Johnson inquired whether Mr. Reynolds is confident with
the assumption.
Mr. Reynolds responded in the affirmative; stated the upgraded
rating makes the process very competitive; refinancing would not
move forward without a good rate.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated that she was opposed to refinancing
before; now she is happy to see that the term would not be extended
and there would be a lower interest rate.
Councilmember /Authority Member deHaan inquired whether the first
year would not have interest or principal payments and the second
year would have interest payments only.
The City Manager responded interest payments would be made in the
first year.
Councilmember /Authority deHaan inquired whether the cost of the
loan would be amortized, to which Mr. Reynolds responded in the
affirmative.
Mayor /Chair Johnson inquired what would be the estimated savings,
to which the City Manager responded $317,600.
Mr. Reynolds stated market data would be available on the date of
pricing to show comparables.
Councilmember /Authority Member deHaan inquired what percentage
would be the breaking point.
The City Manager responded 5.5% is set in the resolution.
Mayor /Chair Johnson inquired what is the old and new interest rate
for each issuance.
The City Manager responded the original issue rates ranging from
5.8% to 7.25% would mature in 2015; $2.77 million was issued for
the Police facility; stated Library and Golf issues in the amount
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of $4.9 million have rates of 3.9% to 5.750.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated that a maximum should be set for each
issuance.
The City Manager stated 5.5% is a blended rate; refinancing would
not go forward if expected savings are not realized.
Councilmember /Authority Member Matarrese stated the 2022 date
should not be exceeded; the previous proposal did not go forward
because there was no savings, the term was extended, and debt would
be pushed back; now, debt would not be pushed back and the term
would not be extended.
Mr. Reynolds stated the interest rate and savings are two different
numbers; a $317,600 savings is the underwriter's best guess based
on current market conditions; 5.5% would produce less than $317,600
in savings.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated the savings goal should be approximately
$317,000.
Councilmember /Authority Member Gilmore stated that anything over
$300,000 in savings works.
Councilmember /Authority Member deHaan stated that he would like the
first two -year savings to be at least $400,000.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated that deferring debt payments is not the
best way to do budgeting.
Mr. Reynolds stated that bond counsel drafted the resolution with
the idea that a limit would be placed on the average interest rate.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated the most important issue is savings;
management's goal is to defer payments to limit budget cuts; that
she does not want to pay more and save less due to deferring.
Mr. Reynolds stated an interest only payment would be made; savings
would be limited in the first two years; the present value savings
would change slightly with annual savings versus up front savings.
Councilmember /Authority Member Matarrese moved adoption of
resolutions as long as the duration of the bond would be the same
and the savings threshold would not be less than $300,000.
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Councilmember /Authority Member deHaan seconded the motion with the
caveat that principle would be pushed out.
Under discussion, Mayor /Chair Johnson stated refinancing makes
sense because the interest rate would be lower and over $300,000
would be saved.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 5.
(08 -277B CC) Public Hearing to consider Resolution No. 14223,
"Amending Master Fee Resolution No. 12191." Adopted.
The Assistant City Manager provided a brief presentation.
Councilmember deHaan inquired what was the prior fire inspection
fee.
Mayor Johnson stated a chart showing fee comparisons would have
helped.
In response to Councilmember deHaan's inquiry, the Fire Marshall
stated fire inspection fees are based on an hourly rate and do not
have 100% cost recovery; currently, a business fire inspection fee
is $77.50; full cost recovery would be approximately $148.
Mayor Johnson questioned whether Building staff should perform
inspections instead of firefighters; stated business owners have
complained about inspection fees; the proposed increase would
result in more complaints.
The Fire Marshall stated the Fire Department uses civilian
inspectors, which lowers the expense.
Mayor Johnson questioned what the cost would be if Building staff
performed inspections.
The Fire Marshall stated Fire Department civilian inspectors have
the same salary as the Building Inspectors.
Councilmember Gilmore stated Building inspectors are busy already;
new personnel would need to be added.
The Fire Marshall stated that fire and storm water inspectors are
very specialized and require additional training.
Councilmember Matarrese stated an 80% increase is stiff; inquired
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whether building fees could be raised by a very small amount over
inflation in order to subsidize fire inspection fees.
The Assistant City Manager responded fees cannot be over 100% cost
recovery for any service.
Councilmember deHaan stated many inspections are a one hour minimum
and cost $215; inquired how often inspections occur, to which the
Fire Marshall responded annually.
Robb Ratto, Park Street Business Association (PSBR), stated
increased inspection fees would put an undue burden on small
businesses.
Alan Elnick, Alameda City Employees Association (ACEA), stated ACEA
feels that Council should not pass a blanket resolution for a no
fee increase for the Golf Course.
Mayor Johnson inquired what is the collection rate on ambulance
service.
Councilmember Matarrese responded the report notes the collection
rate was 51% in 2007 and excludes Medicare and Medi -Cal write offs.
Councilmember Gilmore inquired when was the last time ambulance
fees were raised.
The City Manager responded rates were restructured by the County
last year.
Mayor Johnson stated Council needs to know the cost recovery for
ambulance service.
The Fire Chief stated the collection rate is approximately 85% if
Medicare and Medi -Cal are taken out as non - collectibles; new
revenue anticipates a 50% collection rate.
Mayor Johnson inquired what is the cost to provide ambulance
service and how much revenue is received, to which the City Manager
responded information would be provided.
Vice Mayor Tam stated Page 8 shows that $1,297 is the base rate for
the ambulance fee; inquired whether said fee is a significant
portion of the City's cost for providing the service.
The Fire Chief responded the fee is close to the cost.
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Mayor Johnson inquired whether the City charges above what
insurance pays.
The Fire Chief responded in the affirmative; stated generally,
insurance pays approximately 800; the patient is billed the
remaining 200.
Mayor Johnson inquired what is the recovery rate for private
ambulances, to which the Fire Chief responded that he did not know.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired how much of the $300,000 would be
accountable to inspection fees.
The Fire Chief responded the EMS portion is approximately $280,000;
stated inspection fees are estimated at approximately $65,000.
The City Manager stated $20,000 would be related to the new fees.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether there would be a $15,000
shortage, to which the Fire Chief responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he cannot see raising fees 800.
The Fire Chief stated false alarm fees were not included and are
estimated at $20,000; $300,000 could be achieved in new revenue if
false alarm fees were included.
Mayor Johnson stated false alarm fees should be included; inquired
what is sent out for a fire alarm, to which the Fire Chief
responded three engines, one truck, and a Chief Officer.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether one free false alarm is allowed per
quarter, to which the Fire Chief responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Johnson stated one free false alarm should be allowed every
six months, not every quarter.
The City Manager stated that the Fire Department responded to 454
false alarms in 2007.
Mayor Johnson stated second false alarms fees should be raised to
$125; $200 should be charged for the third false alarm, and $250
for the fourth false alarm.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether businesses have different
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fees, to which the City Manager responded in the negative.
Mayor Johnson stated commercial businesses should be allowed one
free false alarm per year.
The Fire Chief stated fire alarms might be disconnected if
restrictions are too severe.
Mayor Johnson stated commercial false alarm rates should be $125
for the second alarm; $250 for the third; and $375 for the fourth.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the first free false alarm should
cover a period of six months.
In response to Mayor Johnson's inquiry, the Assistant City Manager
stated the Golf Commission has not recommended golf fee increases
at this point.
Mayor Johnson stated said increases could come back.
The City Manager stated the last golf fee increase was not in
conjunction with the annual Master Fee resolution.
Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the resolution with the
following revisions to the Master Fee Schedule: 1) the false fire
alarm schedule for residential be $125 for the second alarm, $200
for the third alarm and $250 for the fourth alarm; 2) the false
fire alarm for commercial be $125 for the second alarm, $250 for
the third alarm and $375 for the fourth alarm; 3) that the period
for false fire alarms be changed from quarterly to every six
months; and 4) the rest of the fees be increase by CPI.
Councilmember Gilmore inquired how much less revenue would be
raised with the proposed revisions.
Mayor Johnson responded the amount is not known now; stated the
matter can be brought back.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he understands that $280,000 of
the $300,000 comes from the ambulance fee increase; an additional
$65,000 would have come from increased fire inspection fees;
revenue would drop from $65,000 to $15,000 by using the CPI.
Mayor Johnson stated that she wants ambulance collection fees
brought back because collection should be improved.
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Councilmember Matarrese requested that information be brought back
on how much the uncollected [ambulance] fees represents in dollars.
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember deHaan stated that Alameda goes to
Oakland 273 times versus Oakland coming to Alameda 23 times; the
recovery rate could change if determinations are made later.
Mayor Johnson stated the Contract should state that mutual aid
should be proportionate.
Councilmember deHaan stated revenue generation would be impacted if
the City does not provided services to Oakland.
The City Manager stated the issue would be monitored and
adjustments would be made in the quarterly report if necessary.
Councilmember Matarrese stated reports need to be provided more
than quarterly; some issues need to be monitored continually and
constantly.
Mayor Johnson requested monthly reports.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following
voice vote - Ayes: Councilmembers deHaan, Gilmore, Matarrese, Mayor
Johnson - 4. Noes: Vice Mayor Tam - 1.
(08 -277C CC) Public Hearing to Establish Proposition 4 Limit
(Appropriation Limit) for Fiscal Year 2008 -2009; and Resolution No.
14224, "Establishing Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2008 -09."
Adopted.
Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the resolution.
Vice Mayor Tam seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Vice Mayor Tam stated data is based on the amount
of City or County population growth and CPI; Alameda's population
growth is smaller than other cities in the County; inquired where
is the demand for services and commensurate need for increased
costs if population growth has not increased.
Mayor Johnson responded services are decreasing, but costs are
increasing.
Vice Mayor Tam stated that complete cost recovery is recommended
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for some areas, but no others; there seems to be some disparity in
which services are more valuable.
Councilmember Matarrese stated small businesses provide sales tax;
CPI is recommended instead of cost recovery because small
businesses are taking on the extra burden of property tax;
businesses need to be kept alive.
Vice Mayor Tam stated that she is in support of giving small
businesses a break; the City seems to be subsidizing the Golf
Course.
Councilmember Gilmore stated Council had previous discussions
regarding only being able to raise fees so high and get same number
of players.
Mayor Johnson stated the City is not subsidizing the Golf Course
now; raising golf fees would result in less revenue; golf fees
would not be frozen.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the Golf Commission would be
discussing the Golf Master Plan soon; looking at golf fees today
would be premature.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice
vote - 5.
Mayor Johnson stated a policy is needed regarding not having the
General Fund subsidize the Golf Course.
(ARRA) Resolution No. 42, "Approving and Adopting the Operating
Budget and Appropriating Certain Moneys for the Expenditures
Provided in Fiscal Year 2008 -09." Adopted;
(08- 36CIC) Resolution No. 08 -157, "Approving and Adopting the
Operating Budget and Appropriating Certain Moneys for the
Expenditures Provided in Fiscal Year 2008 -09." Adopted;
(08 -277D CC) Resolution No. 14225, "Approving and Adopting the
Operating Budget and Capital Improvements and Appropriating Certain
Moneys for the Expenditures Provided in Fiscal Year 2008 -09 and
Establishing an Other Post Employment Benefit (OPEB) Plan."
Adopted;
(08 -277E CC) Resolution No. 14226, "Establishing Guidelines for
Reimbursement of Per Diem Allowance for City of Alameda Business
Travel." Adopted.
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The City Manager /Executive Director provided a handout on issue bin
items from previous workshops and gave a brief presentation.
Mayor /Chair Johnson inquired what is the cost for a Park Director,
to which the City Manager responded $25,000 per year.
Mayor /Chair Johnson inquired whether $25,000 would fully restore
Park Directors at sites without reducing hours, to which the
Recreation and Park Director responded in the affirmative.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated direction should be given to not reduce
Park Director hours; inquired how much it would cost to light
tennis courts, to which the Recreation and Park Director responded
$7,500.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated efforts should be made to find money to
light the two tennis courts.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Gilmore inquired how long
it would take to go through the $300,000 restored to the Fire
Department overtime budget.
The Fire Chief responded the current overtime usage is averaging
four people per day which costs $6,000 per day for a twenty -four
hour shift.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Gilmore inquired how long
it would take to implement rotating a truck out of service.
The Fire Chief responded early July; stated operationally, the Fire
Department could be ready within four to six weeks; the meet and
confer process would take longer.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Gilmore stated adding
$300,000 would still leave a $520,000 shortage; inquired how the
$520,000 would be absorbed in the budget.
The City Manager /Executive Director responded overtime would still
need to be managed; stated the $520,000 would not be restored back
into the budget.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated an engine replacement plan should be
reviewed; the vehicle replacement policy may need adjustments.
The Fire Chief stated deferring purchases would build a huge,
future liability; another truck is scheduled to be replaced next
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year.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan inquired what would
be the total price.
The Fire Chief responded an engine would cost between $400,000 to
$425,000 and would have a ten to twelve -year lease.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan inquired what is the
compliment of Fire Department staff.
The Fire Chief responded nine firefighters have been hired due to
retirement vacancies; currently, eight positions are unfunded; new
hires will be necessary as retirements occur; otherwise, additional
overtime would be created.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan inquired how much
overtime would be reduced [with new hires].
The Fire Chief responded average overtime covers four positions;
stated adding two to three positions per shift would be beneficial;
money would be saved in the long run.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan inquired how said
scenario is equated into percentage of overtime.
The Fire Chief responded that he guesses that 60% to 700 of
overtime would be saved.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan inquired what would
be the total compliment.
The City Manager /Executive Director responded 110 funded positions
are assumed for 2008 -2009; stated 102 positions are for sworn
officers, 8 are non - sworn.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan inquired whether
overtime would still exist with total staff compliment, to which
the Fire Chief responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan inquired what
overtime costs would be with total compliment, to which the Fire
Chief responded $200,000 to $300,000.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated that numbers are needed regarding hiring
seven firefighters versus overtime; overtime should be reduced
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since nine new firefighters were hired; specific numbers are
needed.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan stated replacement
vehicles could be deferred; additional replacements will be needed
next year; inquired whether take home vehicle costs have been
discussed, to which the Fire Chief responded in the negative.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated the vehicle replacement policy needs to
come back for discussion.
The City Manager /Executive Director stated the vehicle replacement
policy was changed; only a limited number of safety related
vehicles were identified for replacement.
Mayor /Chair Johnson inquired how much is being proposed for vehicle
replacement next year.
The City Manager /Executive Director responded $717,750, which
includes some vehicles carried forward from the current fiscal
year.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated that vehicles should not be replaced
until the matter is brought back to Council; shortfalls could be
covered by taking less out of department budgets.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan stated discussions
are needed regarding deferring an engine or command vehicle
replacement; a fall back position is needed.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated $200,000 is proposed to be spent in one
year for a Fire Department command vehicle, Division Chiefs' and
Deputy Chief vehicles.
The City Manager /Executive Director stated said vehicles met the
criteria last year.
The Fire Chief stated delivering service in the streets takes
people, good tools, and training.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Matarrese stated the issue
will be revisited many times for many reasons; mechanical
assessments are needed; repair costs need to be evaluated versus
replacement costs.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated vehicle use needs to be identified; fuel
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efficiency needs to be reviewed if a vehicle travels a lot of
miles.
The Fire Chief stated the proposal is to replace Fire Department
sedans with hybrid vehicles.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Matarrese inquired whether
vehicles would be replaced with the Toyota Prius.
The Fire Chief responded vehicles would be replaced with Ford
Escapes.
Mayor /Chair Johnson questioned whether the command vehicle needs to
be replaced next year.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan stated annual fuel
costs need to be reviewed for take home vehicles; decisions need to
be made regarding reassigning vehicles and reduction of the overall
inventory.
Vice Mayor /Board Member /Commissioner Tam stated that the proposed
budget reflects a certain level of trade offs; $300,000 would be
generated through the proposed fee structure and would offset the
$820,000 in mandatory [Fire Department] overtime costs; there still
would be $520,000 in mandatory overtime cost expenditures that
would be controlled through rotating the closing of a fire truck;
inquired what differs other than postponement.
The Fire Chief responded hopefully some other revenues enhancements
will occur in the fall; stated the additional $300,000 would be
counted on to delay the immediate closure [of a fire truck].
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated that additional funds could be generated
by not replacing vehicles.
Vice Mayor /Board Member /Commissioner Tam stated said savings is not
on- going.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated continued discussions are needed
regarding long -term issues.
Vice Mayor /Board Member /Commissioner Tam stated increased Police
Department grant and fee revenues would be allocated to the
Crossing Guard program; the proposed rescheduling results in
approximately 40% cost reduction; inquired whether the $93,000 is
expected to offset the reduction.
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The Police Chief responded $93,000 would help to recover the
additional cost not budgeted for the next fiscal year.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Gilmore inquired what would
be the reporting procedure for Fire Department overtime.
The City Manager /Executive Director responded the Fire Department
would be monitoring the issue on a daily basis; stated monthly or
quarterly reports could be presented to Council.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan inquired when the
Public Works Capital Improvement Program (CIP) would be addressed.
The Public Works Director responded the CIP would be adopted with
the budget.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan inquired what is the
deferred maintenance; stated the report shows medium priority
projects total $66.5 million.
The Public Works Director responded the deferred maintenance report
will be coming to Council in approximately four weeks; Council will
see the Pedestrian Plan later in the year; high, medium, and low
priority projects were identified for the Pedestrian Plan;
appropriations will be reviewed this coming year; the only
Pedestrian Project included in the next two year CIP is for access
across the Estuary.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated the concern is that $4 million was spent
from the General Fund to catch up on some of the deferred
maintenance and this year $1.5 million will be deferred.
The Public Works Director stated all Measure B funds are being
used; staff was successful in receiving Proposition 1B funds.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Gilmore stated a funding
stream has not been identified for other post employee benefits;
the proposed General Fund budget totals $75.4 million for the
fiscal year; the accrued liability for post employment benefits was
$75.4 million as of January 2007.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated that deferred costs are between $75
million and $107 million for health and safety post employment
benefits.
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Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Matarrese stated that some
of the fund balance could be used to seed the trust fund.
Mayor /Chair Johnson opened the public portion of the hearing.
Speakers: Carol Quintal, Crossing Guard; Janet Crandall, Citizen
Emergency Response Team (CERT); David Baker, Alameda; Fred Blass,
Alameda; Christine Novosel, Crossing Guard; Christopher Buckley,
Alameda; Rich Bennett, Alameda; Jeff DelBono, Alameda Firefighter;
Domenick Weaver, Alameda Firefighters; Steve Floyd, Local 689; Tim
McNeil, Retired Fire Chief; Diane Coler -Dark, Alameda; Chuck
Millar, Alameda; Robb Ratto, PSBR; Kathy Moehring, WABA.
There being no further speakers, Mayor /Chair Johnson closed the
public portion of the hearing.
(08- 278CC) Councilmember /Authority Member /Board Member /Commissioner
Matarrese moved approval of continuing the meeting past 12:00
midnight.
Mayor /Chair Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated that the City will not be spending money
on the Meyer's House; Greater Alameda Business Area (GABA) funding
should not be approved until information is brought back; $50,000
is allocated to the EcoPass program.
The Public Works Director stated the total program is approximately
$36,000; $14,000 is from the General Fund; the AC Transit General
Manager is allowed to reduce the passes by 150.
Mayor /Chair Johnson inquired whether there is a better to way to
encourage people to take public transit, such as discount tickets
for BART or other forms of public transportation; suggesting
performing an employee survey.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan stated that open
dialogue should be initiated regarding the Meyer's House;
additional funding might become available.
The Recreation and Park Director stated Trust representatives have
not indicated that any additional funding would be available but
are willing to review how current funds are invested.
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Mayor /Chair Johnson stated the community gets more per dollar for
funding Park Directors than the Meyer's House.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan inquired how much
the Fun Fair costs.
The Recreation and Park Director responded the Fun Fair is funded
through fees charged to participants; stated funding is also
received through recycling grants; costs are a wash.
Mayor /Chair Johnson inquired what is the proposal regarding the Art
in the Park.
The City Manager /Executive Director responded the proposal is to
use money from the Pubic Art fund.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated the Art in the Park should be self -
sustaining.
Vice Mayor /Board Member /Commissioner Tam stated major issues still
exist regarding keeping current public safety levels; Council and
the community want to have a safe community; she would rather buy
more time for the Fire Department than the Golf Complex.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Gilmore stated a gap would
still exist if revenue raising options are placed on the November
ballot and revenues start coming in January.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated overtime needs to be monitored; the
vehicle replacement policy also needs to be reviewed.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Gilmore stated the vehicle
replacement policy is a mechanism to buy time.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated the issue would be understood better
when the vehicle replacement policy comes back; keeping vehicles
longer might be possible.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Gilmore stated a lot of
phone calls and emails have been received regarding not cutting
public safety and increasing staffing levels; maintaining current
levels is difficult, let alone adding additional staff; contractual
agreements cannot be made unless there is revenue in hand.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Matarrese inquired whether
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hiring people is a contractual obligation; stated people can be
layed off; the Fire Chief mentioned that two to three positions per
shift should be added; more information is needed; enough direction
has been given to the City Manager /Executive Director to approve
numbers provided tonight; trees need to be addressed so that
further liability is not incurred; plenty of notice needs to be
given before spending down the $300,000 of overtime; some matching
fund capability needs to be left to provide an incentive to the
Museum; information has been requested regarding setting up a trust
this year for unfunded post employment benefits.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan inquired what
agreement has been arrived at regarding trees.
The Public Works Director responded Zone 4 will commence July l;
Mr. Buckley suggested not pruning specific species at all, which
does not make sense; structural pruning will be performed; left
over money will be applied to new street tree planning.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan inquired how the
process would equate to manpower.
The Public Works Director responded the tree crew would be reduced
by a Maintenance Worker I and a Team Leader; stated $50,000 has
been added to the Consultant Contract.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan stated some of the
work would be outsourced.
The Public Works Director stated all mature tree pruning is done by
an outside contractor; currently, emergency response to down limbs,
some new tree planting, and young tree pruning is done in house;
emergency removal of down limbs and young tree pruning is being
proposed to be done by existing contractor.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Gilmore stated time would
be provided if the Golf Return on Investment (ROI) and surcharge
were not rebated and put into the General Fund; the money would be
able to fund Fire Department overtime and not take a truck out of
service.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated the projected Golf Course deficit is
approximately $700,000; the Golf Course cash reserve is $1.1
million; the Golf Course would still be able to cover the shortfall
for this year without the rebate.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council, Alameda Public
Financing Authority, Alameda Reuse and 17
Redevelopment Authority, and
Community Improvement Commission
June 17, 2008
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan stated the 2004 -2005
ROI for the Golf Course and AP &T was to be for a short period of
time.
Mayor /Chair Johnson inquired whether the proposal is to rebate both
the ROI and surcharge, to which the City Manager /Executive Director
responded in the affirmative.
Mayor /Chair Johnson inquired how much is the surcharge.
The City Manager /Executive Director responded $171,960; stated
$99,040 is the ROI revenue.
Mayor /Chair Johnson inquired how long the surcharge has been in
place, to which the Recreation and Park Director responded since
1991.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Gilmore stated intending to
fund Fire Department overtime needs to be done with the realization
of buying more time in hopes that revenue enhancement ideas pass in
the fall; another plan needs to be in place if the revenues do not
pass.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Matarrese stated that he
would support additional time being gained on the back of Golf.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan stated that
everything is being put on a fast track; the top priority is public
safety.
Vice Mayor /Board Member /Commissioner Tam stated the $300,000 is not
going to buy enough time past the fall; having the extra $271,000
would provide the comfort needed not to rotate a fire truck out of
service.
The City Manager /Executive Director stated $271,000 revenues would
be taken from the Golf Course and added to the General Fund.
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner deHaan stated that three
years ago he stated that the Golf Course was on a death spiral;
Alameda Point is placing the City in another situation of eroding
the General Fund; lease revenues needs to be increased as much as
possible; the crises is here.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated the public is starting to understand the
challenges.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council, Alameda Public
Financing Authority, Alameda Reuse and 18
Redevelopment Authority, and
Community Improvement Commission
June 17, 2008
Councilmember /Board Member /Commissioner Matarrese moved adoption of
the resolutions with direction provided tonight; stated that he
would not reiterate all points, but summarized the following
direction: 1) supplement the $300,000 [from fees] in Fire
Department overtime funds with the [reinstatement of the] Golf ROI
and surcharge; 2) require matching funds [of $3,800] for the Museum
subsidy [and reduce the allocation by $7,500] ; 3) use grants or
savings to re- adjust the Tree Maintenance Program so that young
trees are pruned and trees are replaced; 4) bring back information
for putting aside a seed amount for the Trust Fund for Other Post
Employment Benefits (OPEB) ; 5) bring back operational plans for
sustaining services long -term; 6) look for funding to light the
tennis court [proposed to be turned off]; 7) bring back the Vehicle
Replacement Plan, including potential reduction in the fleet; 8)
bring back an analysis of increasing fire staff by two to three per
shift; stated the motion includes approving the numbers presented
to Council [including changes outlined in the staff report:
allocation of $93,340 to the Police Department for crossing guards;
use of $25,000 in Meyers Housing funding for a Recreation Leader]
and adoption of resolution Establishing Guidelines for
Reimbursement of Per Diem Allowance for City of Alameda Business
Travel.
Vice Mayor /Board Member /Commissioner Tam seconded the motion, which
carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor /Chair Johnson adjourned the
Special Joint City Council, APFA and ARRA Meeting and Annual CIC
Meeting at 12:55 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
APFA and CIC Secretary
The agenda for meeting this was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council, Alameda Public
Financing Authority, Alameda Reuse and 19
Redevelopment Authority, and
Community Improvement Commission
June 17, 2008