2010-05-04 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -MAY 4. 2010- -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Johnson convened the meeting at 7:12 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers deHaan, Gilmore, Matarrese, Tam
and Mayor Johnson — 5.
Absent: None.
AGENDA CHANGES
(10 -187) Mayor Johnson announced that the recommendation to approve First
Amendment to Interim City Manager Contract [paragraph no. 10 -198] would be
continued to a later date.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY & ANNOUNCEMENTS
(10 -188) Proclamation Declaring May 7 — 16, 2010 as Affordable Housing Week.
Mayor Johnson read and presented the proclamation to Arthur Kurash, Housing
Commission, and Gary Struthers; Mr. Struthers provided handouts.
Mr. Kurash thanked Council for the proclamation and support; encouraged Council to
continue the work for affordable housing.
(10 -189) Proclamation Declaring May 9 — 15, 2010 as National Police Week.
Mayor Johnson read and presented the proclamation to the Police Chief.
The Police Chief thanked Council for the proclamation.
(10 -190) Proclamation Declaring May 13 as Alameda Bike to Work Day, 2010.
Mayor Johnson read and presented the proclamation to Jeff Cambra and Joyce
Mercado, Bike Alameda.
Mr. Cambra thanked Council for the proclamation; stated Bike Alameda has created a
series of events to encourage cycling as means of every day transportation; on May 8t"
Alameda Town Centre is teaming with Alameda Bicycle to gear up for Bike to Work
Day; on May 13t" there will be six energizer stations for checking in and receiving gifts,
the right lanes of the Miller- Sweeny [Fruitvale] Bridge will be closed from 6:00 a.m. to
9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in order to create designated bike lanes for
traveling to the Fruitvale BART Station; outlined various events throughout the month.
(10 -191) Proclamation Declaring May 16 — 22, 2010 as Hepatitis B Awareness Week.
Mayor Johnson read and presented the proclamation to Matthew Wang, Piedmont High
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Alameda City Council 1
May 4, 2010
School Class of 2012.
Mr. Wang thanked Council for the proclamation.
(10 -192) Mayor Johnson announced that a Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment
Authority meeting will be held at the Mastick Senior Center on Thursday, May 6t", at
7:30 p.m.
(10 -193) Presentation by the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency on a
Proposed New Alameda County Transportation Commission Joint Powers Agreement,
and Update on the Development of the Countywide Transportation Plan, Funding
Strategies, and Opportunities.
Tess Lengyel, Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority, and Beth
Walucas, Alameda County Congestions Management Agency, provided a handout and
gave a Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Gilmore inquired what would be the anticipated cost savings by
merging agencies and what would be the anticipated start up costs, to which Ms.
Lengyel responded approximately half a million per year [anticipated cost savings].
Councilmember Matarrese stated the money would not be saved but would be put in the
ground [in projects].
Ms. Walucas stated the money would go to transportation investments.
Councilmember Matarrese stated an added benefit would be establishing efficiencies
for getting projects done more rapidly.
Ms. Walucas stated two managers would not need to work on project delivery; there
would be efficiencies in moving projects forward in terms of staffing and resources.
Ms. Lengyel stated start -up costs are anticipated to be approximately $680,000 to
$820,000 over three years.
Vice Mayor deHaan inquired whether there would be short -term funding before the
merger.
Ms. Lengyel responded in the affirmative; stated SB 83 is in the State legislative
process but is separate from the merger.
Councilmember Tam inquired whether the short -term funding opportunity and $11
million expected to be generated through the $10 DMV fee is based on the number of
cars in Alameda County; further inquired how the fund would be protected if
administered by the State.
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May 4, 2010
Ms. Walucas responded the State would collect the fee and would be paid a small
administration fee to write a check.
In response to Councilmember Tam's inquiry, Ms. Walucas responded a fee would
require a majority vote.
Councilmember Tam stated the Council has had some experience with the Measure
WW Park bond; having a clear understanding of the criteria is important at the outset;
bus shelter funding and opportunities to partner with non - profit groups on different
programs are not clear.
Ms. Walucas stated the key is that any project or program would need to benefit people
paying the fee.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Johnson announced that the recommendation to Authorize Call for Bids for Legal
Advertising [paragraph no. 10 -197], the Resolution Supporting the Alameda Unified
School District's Measure E [paragraph no. 10 -204], and the Resolution Supporting HR
5061 [paragraph no. 10 -205] were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Tam seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote — 5.
( *10 -194) Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held on April 20, 2010.
Approved.
( *10 -195) Ratified bills in the amount of $3,002,704.70.
( *10 -196) Recommendation to Set June 1, 2010, for a Hearing to Consider Collection of
Delinquent Business License Fees Via the Property Tax Bills. Accepted.
(10 -197) Recommendation to Authorize Call for Bids for Legal Advertising.
Councilmember Tam inquired how the City determines whether newspapers or other
media vehicles are eligible to bid.
The City Clerk responded the City Charter requires that a newspaper be adjudicated in
the City; stated proof is provided at the time the bid is submitted.
Councilmember Tam inquired whether a specific readership or subscribership is
needed, to which the City Clerk responded no percentage is outlined in the Charter.
Mayor Johnson stated the staff report notes the newspaper has to be one of general
circulation within the City.
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May 4, 2010
The Assistant City Attorney stated a third party verifies circulation of the paper and
readership or subscribership; the process is fairly formal.
Councilmember Tam inquired what is the process for adjudication, to which the
Assistant City Attorney responded that she would look into the matter.
Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether costs would be considered when adjudicated
newspapers compete.
The City Clerk responded in the affirmative; stated the lowest bidder is awarded the
Contract; in the past, the Alameda Times Star and the Journal competed; the Journal
has been the only newspaper to submit a bid over the past few years.
Councilmember Tam moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice
vote — 5.
(10 -198) Recommendation to Approve First Amendment to Interim City Manager
Contract. Continued to May 18, 2010. Not heard.
( *10 -199) Recommendation to Adopt Plans and Specifications and Authorize a Call for
Bids for Furnishings for the Neighborhood Library Improvement Project, No. P.W. 10-
09-29. Accepted.
( *10 -200) Recommendation to Adopt Plans and Specifications and Authorize Call for
Bids for the Resurfacing of Certain Streets, Phase 29, No. P.W. 02- 09 -06. Accepted.
( *10 -201) Recommendation to Award a First Amendment to the Contract with Harris &
Associates in the Amount of $100,000, Including Contingencies, for Engineering
Construction Management Services for the Webster Street/Wilver "Willie" Stargell
Avenue Intersection Project, No. P.W. 10- 08 -26. Accepted.
( *10 -202) Recommendation to Accept the Work of MDF Pipelines for the Central
Avenue Sewer Rehabilitation, Pacific Avenue to Third Street, No. P.W. 05- 09 -13.
Accepted.
( *10 -203) Resolution No. 14437, "Approving the Joint Powers Agreement Creating the
Alameda County Transportation Commission and Approving an Amendment to the Joint
Powers Agreement for the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency, and
Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute All Necessary Agreements." Adopted.
(10 -204) Resolution No. 14438, "Supporting the Alameda Unified School District's
Measure E Parcel Tax." Adopted.
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May 4, 2010
The Deputy City Manager — Administrative Services gave a brief presentation.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether Alameda has ever had an all mail in ballot, to which
the City Clerk responded that she is not award of any and if so, it would have been prior
to 1997.
Councilmember Matarrese requested a comparison between Measure E and the
existing measures; stated that he understands Measure E would be a replacement tax.
The Deputy City Manager — Administrative Services responded Measure E is a
replacement measure for Measure A and H; stated that she does not have the figures
for the two existing parcels taxes; businesses are paying $0.15 per square foot of lot but
would be paying $0.13 per square foot of lot under Measure E.
Councilmember Matarrese stated residential property owners would pay more and
business property owners would pay less; inquired whether the $120 Measure A tax
would go away, to which the Deputy City Manager — Administrative Services responded
in the affirmative.
Councilmember Matarrese requested that figures be confirmed.
Proponents (In Favor of Resolution): Patricia Sanders, Alameda Education Association;
Mark Irons, Alameda; Susan Davis, Alameda; David Teeters, Alameda; Doug Biggs,
Alameda; David Hart, Alameda; and John Knox White, APLUS.
Opponents (Not in Favor of Resolution): Edward Hirshberg, Committee Against
Measure E; David Howard, Alameda; Kathy Moehring, West Alameda Business
Association; Regina Beck, Alameda.
The following speakers did not wish to speak, but want to go on record opposed to the
resolution: Michelle Kelly, Alameda; Michael Kelley, Alameda; and Pauline Kelley,
Alameda.
Ms. Sanders clarified that the Measure A tax is $189 and would be replaced; stated
Measure H is a flat $120 per parcel rate; the total residential rate is $309.
Vice Mayor deHaan inquired why the School District is placing an all mail in ballot on
the June primary election and what the cost would be.
Mr. Knox White responded the School Board wants to have enough time to have
multiple community meetings; stated no additional costs will be incurred for having an
all mail ballot.
Vice Mayor deHaan stated costs for the Measure B election was approximately $50,000
[if consolidated] versus a special election costing approximately $280,000; putting the
Measure on a regular ballot would be approximately $50,000; an all mail ballot would be
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more than $280,000.
The City Clerk stated an all mail ballot would cost less because poll workers would not
be needed.
In response to Vice Mayor deHaan's inquiry, the City Clerk stated in the past, cost
estimates have been $1.50 for an all mail ballot; a consolidated election can run
anywhere in the gamete of $0.75 to $1.50 per voter.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether Mr. Knox White's understanding is that an all mail
ballot is less expensive than a special election, to which Mr. Knox White responded in
the affirmative.
Vice Mayor deHaan inquired when Measure A sunsets, to which Mr. Knox White
responded in two years.
Vice Mayor deHaan inquired when Measure H sunsets, to which Mr. Knox White
responded in two years.
Vice Mayor deHaan inquired what would be the immediate shortfall [to the School
District], to which Mr. Knox White responded $7 million.
Vice Mayor deHaan stated the community is concerned that the City has a ballot
measure every three to four years; inquired whether Measure E would be a cure all.
Mr. Knox White responded the School District went through great lengths to put
something on the ballot that would cover needs for the next eight years.
Vice Mayor deHaan stated that he feels erosion will occur quicker.
Mr. Knox White stated the economy could recover and some past historical problems
could be offset.
Vice Mayor deHaan stated the flatness in the budget might last another three to five
years.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the $120 tax would go away, to which Mr. Knox White
responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Johnson stated the new [commercial] tax would be $0.13 per square foot; all
commercial property tax would be reduced; there is no cure all; people running the
State are devastating local government, school districts, and County government; the
School District is not at fault; consolidating schools would not be enough to balance the
budget.
Councilmember Gilmore moved adoption of the resolution, with the realization that the
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May 4, 2010
parcel tax will be difficult for everyone; stated California children received the benefit of
a better school system than what children might receive in the future if steps are not
taken to support the system.
Councilmember Tam seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Matarrese stated the City depends on a good school
system for property values; Measure E will not solve the problem but will buy time;
League of California Cities activities should be placed on an agenda; cities have to
ensure that the State follows up on the promise that every child in California gets an
equal shot at education; cities that have the ability to raise taxes are surviving, others
are not; time is needed.
Vice Mayor deHaan stated the consequences of losing good quality schools is
immense; that he has a vested interest because two family members are school
teachers; Measure E will tie over the School District for a short time; that he concurs
with Councilmember Matarrese regarding needing a permanent fix; the State is juggling
books; everyone is getting hit; that he will support Measure E.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote — 5.
Mayor Johnson requested staff to explain whether redevelopment takes money from
schools.
The Interim City Manager stated staff would come back to Council the first meeting in
June to explain how pass through agreements work.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether or not redevelopment takes money from
schools.
The Interim City Manager stated an agency is required to negotiate a pass through
agreement when redevelopment agencies and project areas are established and
formed; depending on the project area and age, individual pass through agreements
might not be negotiated; State legislation has changed and requires that school districts
be made whole; the fundamental premise in redevelopment law is to have each agency
empower itself to negotiate a pass through agreement with whomever is impacted; post
1990, school districts were made whole; that she would provide a customized view of
project areas.
Councilmember Gilmore requested that a School District or School Board
representative be present.
The Interim City Manager stated the School District can use money from the City for
certain type of things; that she will have someone from the School District explain the
process.
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Councilmember Gilmore stated money received from the City affects money that the
School District receives from the State.
Councilmember Tam inquired whether funds generated by redevelopment areas for
schools would not be available if redevelopment areas were not there.
The Interim City Manager responded in the negative; stated many pass through
agreements make the School District whole.
Councilmember Tam inquired whether the Housing Fund developed for Island High
School would not have occurred had there not been tax revenue generated from a
redevelopment area.
The Interim City Manager responded in the affirmative; stated the agreement is unique;
a certain percentage was set aside for a specific purpose; the money would not be
available to the School District under the old formula; information would be provided to
Council as soon as possible.
Vice Mayor deHaan stated California is scheduled to lose 22,000 teachers; Illinois will
lose 15,000 teachers; New York will lose 17,000 teachers; the crises is national.
(10 -205) Resolution No. 14439, "Supporting HR 5061, the "San Francisco Bay
Improvement Act of 2010." Adopted.
The Deputy City Manager — Administrative Services gave a brief presentation.
Mayor Johnson inquired when the process would be complete.
The Deputy City Manager — Administrative Services responded Congress has a very full
agenda; stated the legislation would probably not be completed with this Congress.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether it is early enough in the process to make suggestions
regarding use of funds.
The Deputy City Manager — Administrative Services responded funding categories are
being developed; funding would be done through grants.
Mayor Johnson stated the issue should be reconsidered; funding for the purchase of
cargo salt flats in Redwood City should be considered; purchase of salt flat lands should
be a priority; preventing more bay fill is important.
The Deputy City Manager — Administrative Services stated that she would send a letter
to Representative Speier.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the
lead agency for Alameda Point cleanup; thinking big is important because Site 1 and 2
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May 4, 2010
are the least characterized, most contaminated sites residing on federal land and are
not encumbered by transfer and conveyance; other closed bases, such as Hamilton Air
Force Base, are returning runways to wetlands; enough money has been allocated to
clean up Sites 1 and 2; returning runways to wetlands would put a lot of people back to
work, would put a buffer on the western edge of the former Base, and would clean up a
hazardous waste site; a case needs to be made; two acres should have to be
purchased for every acre that Redwood City fills, if building is done on salt flats; trade
credits could be done.
Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether a comprehensive study has been done in
terms of what type of federal funding is potentially available for Alameda Point for clean
up, infrastructure, or historic preservation.
The Deputy City Manager — Administrative Services responded Holland and Knight is
the City's lobbying firm and is constantly reviewing the matter; stated that she is not
sure whether a comprehensive study has been done.
Councilmember Gilmore stated the issue should be placed on a future agenda; that she
does not want Alameda to miss out on available federal funding; a list is needed in order
to think creatively on how to use funds.
Councilmember Tam stated opportunities needs to be identified and the City needs to
work in concert with the Navy sooner rather than later.
Vice Mayor deHaan stated the Alameda Point fish and wildlife refuge is contaminated,
has a price tag of $1 million, and is not an active remediation site; the site has an
immediate requirement to become wetlands.
Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the resolution with direction to follow up
with specifics regarding what can happen in Alameda after Thursday night's meeting
with the EPA and bring the matter back to direct lobbyists what to lobby for to get
whatever City is needed to get potential money; that he wants to see something
meaningful; Sites 1 and 2 are a case of where big federal dollars could be spent.
Mayor Johnson stated the intent of the legislation is to make money available and then
jurisdictions can apply for the money for projects; that she suggests that the legislation
should specifically list purchasing the cargo salt flats in Redwood City for restoration to
wetlands.
The Deputy City Manager — Administrative Services stated a letter could be sent to
Representative Speier giving examples of worthy projects in Alameda and Redwood
City.
Mayor Johnson stated the issue is regional; filling the Bay should not be happening any
more.
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May 4, 2010
The Deputy City Manager — Administrative Services stated the letter could serve many
masters.
Councilmember Gilmore seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Mayor Johnson inquired whether the letter should be included in the
motion.
Councilmember Tam responded the Deputy City Manager — Administrative Services is
very capable of correlating legislation; stated Senator Feinstein has been very engaged
and active in the cargo acquisition issue and federal funding in the past; that she would
defer to Senator Feinstein on the matter.
The Deputy City Manager — Administrative Services stated Senator Feinstein was able
to get a lot of money for the Milpitas /San Jose salt flats.
Mayor Johnson requested that the Deputy City Manager — Administrative Services draft
a letter.
Councilmember Gilmore stated review of other federal funds for the Base needs to
come back.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote — 5.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
(10 -206) Housing Authority Reorganization
The Housing Authority Executive Director gave a Power Point presentation.
Mayor Johnson stated that she prefers the current structure of the Council sitting as the
Housing Authority Board; Alameda has a good Housing Authority because of the close
relationship between the City and the Housing Authority.
Vice Mayor deHaan stated the only new thing is moving some work from the
redevelopment side; that he is not sure about streamlining.
The Housing Authority Executive Director stated a division manager retired last year
and the position has not been filled; duties and responsibilities have been shifted to
administration and operations.
Vice Mayor deHaan stated that he wants to see consolidating and streamlining; he
needs to see more.
The Interim City Manager stated the reorganization is the beginning of centralization;
staff has a clear understanding of streamlining; unit consolidation would result through
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Alameda City Council 10
May 4, 2010
succession planning; other alternatives are available to make things more efficient.
Councilmember Matarrese stated consolidating the housing effort in a single
department is good because duplication is avoided and a leaner organization provides
efficiency; having the elected body closely answerable to the performance of the group
puts him in favor of keeping the current structure or the Housing Authority could become
a department of the City as long as Council has the oversight role; the Housing
Authority is an excellent product.
The Interim City Manager stated other models are available in terms of delegated
responsibilities versus Council's oversight of money; the public and developers would
go to one place for all financing options.
(10 -207) Park Master Plan — Request for Proposals Scope of Services
The Interim City Manager gave a brief presentation.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the Park Master Plan would include joint use of
facilities such as pools, to which the Interim City Manager responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Matarrese stated a detailed scope of work should be highlighted for
potential parks such as the land acquired by the City next to Towata Park, the Estuary
Park by the Fox/Collins /Dutra property, and Beltline property.
Councilmember Gilmore stated the Grand Street Fire Station is not serviceable; Council
allocated $400,000 for a study for a new fire house; the feasibility of building a Fire
Station and Emergency Operation Center on the Beltline property should be studied;
having classrooms at the new fire station should be reviewed; classrooms could be
shared with the Police Department and could be opened up to the public; not having to
purchase land for a new fire station would be a huge savings.
Vice Mayor deHaan stated considering the Beltline property as a potential site for a fire
station should be addressed separately; Council has requested the City Attorney and
Interim City Manager to advise what has been gained by winning the lawsuit;
opportunities should be scoped out for passive parks.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he would like to have the $400,000 spent on
evaluating a new for the fire station; a vacant building near Alameda Municipal Power is
big enough for a fire station; Mount Trashmore [the former waste disposal site] should
be considered as a future park.
Councilmember Gilmore stated that she does not mean that she wants to spend money
allocated for the Park Master Plan on a fire station study; she does not want to get so
far down in scoping the Beltline property that a fire station would not be considered if
other parcels do not work out.
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Mayor Johnson stated fire service master planning services should be separate.
Councilmember Gilmore stated master planning the park could plan away the land [for
the fire station].
The Interim City Manager stated the fire station is an easy cut out.
Councilmember Matarrese stated people voted to do something with the Beltline
property through a ballot initiative; the Beltline property is not just the yard; the total
acreage is quite large.
Councilmember Tam stated reviewing the inventory of open park space publicly
accessible per resident is important; the proposed East Bay Regional Park District Bay
Trail should be included in the whole visioning and planning process in order to
understand the best use of various lands; asset management should be reviewed also.
The Interim City Manager stated asset management policy and implementation would
be discussed thoroughly; every possible asset will be reviewed.
Mayor Johnson stated existing Bay trails should be included.
The Park and Recreation Director stated adjacent amenities would be included, such as
College and School District amenities.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether current Bay Trails would be assessed, to which the
Interim City Manager responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Johnson stated Bay Trail accessibility should be reviewed in addition to finding a
way to make getting to the trails more accessible to the public.
The Interim City Manager stated accessibility to the shoreline needs to be reviewed.
Mayor Johnson stated the shoreline has public access points, which are not very
accessible; ensuring that access points are publicly available is important.
Vice Mayor deHaan stated the Mount Trashmore site would be available in the next
couple of years; that he wants trees planted on the right side going west on Appezzato
Parkway.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(10 -208) Public Hearing to Consider Adding Subsection 30 -5.15 to the Alameda
Municipal Code to Prohibit the Operation of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in the City
of Alameda. Introduced.
The Planning Services Manager gave a brief presentation.
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May 4, 2010
Councilmember Matarrese requested an explanation of the Planning Board's
consideration of having limited locations; inquired whether extending the moratorium is
an option.
The Planning Services Manager stated the Planning Board thought that potential
locations would be worth exploring; specific locations were not identified; under State
law, cities can adopt moratoriums for a maximum of two years; the current moratorium
ends in June; Council could extend the moratorium to November.
Councilmember Gilmore inquired how much staff time would be needed, what the cost
would be, and what would not get done if Council gave direction to have staff review the
matter.
The Planning Services Manager responded drafting the ordinance would not take a lot
of time; stated staff would look at other ordinances as models; immediate, negative
responses would be received once potential locations were made public; four to six
Planning Board hearings would be needed; Community Development has four and a
quarter employees; everything is backed up; high priorities would be slowed down;
nobody wants locations next door; Oakland's dispensary across the Park Street Bridge
is a major operation; parking is tremendous.
Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether money is budgeted for the operation.
The Planning Services Manager responded the effort is completely unfunded; stated
staff would need to come back with a budget amendment.
Councilmember Tam inquired where is the Oakland dispensary, to which the Planning
Services Manager responded across the Park Street Bridge off the 16th Street exit by
Motel 6.
Councilmember Tam inquired whether Alamedans go to the Oakland dispensary.
The Planning Services Manager responded that he does not know; stated that he would
recommend the dispensary if someone is qualified and has the appropriate doctor's
recommendation; the dispensary is very professional.
Councilmember Tam stated Alameda Hospital's pain management center is the ideal
location in Alameda; however, Alameda Hospital would lose Medicare payments
because marijuana is a federally banned substance; inquired who, within the City,
should be in charge of a dispensary.
The Planning Services Manager responded staff has been asked why a medical
marijuana dispensary could not be located at a pharmacy or hospital; stated there is an
issue between State and federal law; the City would not regulate how a hospital
dispenses legal drugs.
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Councilmember Tam stated a November 2010 measure would control, regulate, and
allow cities to tax cannabis facilities to generate revenue; the context of having the ban
in place should be reviewed after there is a better understanding of what the law would
afford the City to do.
The Planning Services Manager stated that he does not think the current definition of a
medical marijuana facility includes Alameda Hospital, federal and State law changes
make it feasible for Alameda Hospital to provide medical marijuana; an adjustment to
the definition would be simple.
Vice Mayor deHaan stated having cannabis clubs developing into the cultivation
process is a good point; traffic would be impacted; putting a placeholder on the matter is
the right direction.
The Police Chief stated that he strongly supports the ordinance as written; the
ordinance is the best that he has seen in the area; the California Chiefs have taken a
strong stance on the proliferation of marijuana dispensaries; decisions should be made
on the basis of science and anecdotal evidence of other cities and associated, ancillary
issues; dispensaries are prohibited by law; studies have indicated that those who have
the need for the drug under the Compassionate Use Act are less than 5 %; in the late
1970's through early 1990's, Alaska saw significant decline in a person's ability to learn,
process information, and motor coordination; in 2007, approximately 110,000 people
sought treatment for marijuana dependence; Chiefs throughout the state have noted
that crime increases in areas impacted by dispensaries; driving under the influence is a
major incident; 8,000 fatal accidents were reported in 2008, burglaries and robberies
increase; street dealers sell to juveniles; loitering and nuisance complaints increase;
trading for other drugs or sex occurs; the potential for taxation would not cover the costs
associated to society; the tobacco industry brings in approximately $1 billion in revenue;
health costs associated with the tobacco industry are approximately $200 billion, alcohol
brings in approximately $9 billion in revenue; the cost to society is approximately $185
billion; the black market associated with elicit drug trade would not be reduced from the
proliferation of dispensaries.
Mayor Johnson opening the public portion of the hearing.
Proponents (In Favor of Ordinance): Robb Ratto, Park Street Business Association.
There being no further speakers, Mayor Johnson closed the public portion of the
hearing.
Mayor Johnson stated generally, dispensaries do not operate in compliance with the
law; inquired whether the intent of the initiative is to allow co -ops to grow marijuana for
exchange.
The Assistant City Attorney responded in the affirmative; stated State law does not use
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May 4, 2010
terms such as "over the counter sales" or "medical marijuana dispensaries "; stated the
intent is give people in possession of marijuana defense by having a medical marijuana
card; having money change hands for profit is not the intent; over the counter sales has
very little connection between the person growing marijuana and the person accepting
the marijuana; the situation does not include a primary care giver and most likely would
be profitable; the dispensary across the bridge is set up to be a holistic approach to
avoid prosecution.
Mayor Johnson inquired how much revenue was generated in Alameda.
The Assistant City Attorney responded the Finance Department has records required for
business license purposes; stated information is confidential and cannot be released
without an owner's authorization.
Mayor Johnson inquired what type of reporting is required, to which the Assistant City
Attorney stated the State Board of Equalization receives revenue figures.
The Planning Services Manager stated the Oakland dispensary brings in millions of
dollars.
The Assistant City Attorney stated that the Oakland dispensary has one customer every
five minutes.
Mayor Johnson stated dispensaries are not co -ops but are big business.
Councilmember Matarrese stated changes will be seen at some point; the ordinance
should be adopted for three reasons: 1) the City should not establish businesses that
are illegal under federal law or cannot comply with State law; the appropriate place to
dispense the drug is in a hospital or pharmacy; 2) locations is an issue; nobody wants a
dispensary next door; and 3) the cost of crafting something at this juncture is not
appropriate; the City has more important things to address.
Councilmember Matarrese moved introduction of the ordinance.
Vice Mayor deHaan seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Vice Mayor deHaan stated the Webster Street business falsely
represented itself to the City.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote — 5.
(10 -209) Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of the Community Development Block
Grant Fiscal Year 2010 -2014 Five -Year Strategic Plan and the Fiscal Year 2010 -2011
Action Plan, and Authorize the Interim City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Related
Documents, Agreements, and Modifications.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council 15
May 4, 2010
The Community Development Program Manager gave a brief presentation.
Mayor Johnson opened the public portion of the hearing.
Proponents (In Favor of Staff Recommendation): Doug Biggs, Social Service Human
Relations Board (SSHRB); Reginald James, SSHRB; Franklin Hysten, Alternatives in
Action, provided a handout; Virginia McBride, Alternatives in Action /HOME Project; Liz
Varela, Building Futures with Women and Children; Marjorie Rocha, ECHO Housing;
Paul Russell, Alameda Food Bank; and Erin Scott, Family Violence Law Center.
There being no further speakers, Mayor Johnson closed the public portion of the
hearing.
Mayor Johnson thanked the organizations, SSHRB, and staff for all the hard work.
Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Matarrese thanked everyone for doing such a good job; stated the
allocation is bigger this year but the need far exceeds the allocation.
Councilmember Tam seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote — 5.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS. NON - AGENDA
None.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(10 -210) Councilmember Gilmore stated that she attended the Association of Bay Area
Governments (ABAG) general meeting on April 22nd; the meeting addressed
environmental land use, stopping urban sprawl, and developing communities in
environmentally sensitive ways; provided packet to the City Clerk.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 10:45 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 16
May 4, 2010