2010-05-18 Special CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -MAY 18.2010- -7:02 P.M.
Mayor Johnson convened the meeting at 8:47 p.m.
Roll Call — Present: Councilmembers deHaan, Gilmore, Matarrese, Tam and
Mayor Johnson — 5.
Absent: None.
Agenda Item
(10 -247) Recommendation to Approve Accepting $1.7 Million "Staffing for Adequate
Fire and Emergency Response" Grant Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009.
The Fire Chief gave a brief presentation.
Councilmember Gilmore stated the staff report notes that a certain amount of overtime
would be saved each of the two years by accepting the grant and hiring six fire fighters;
inquired whether $500,000 in overtime per year would equal $1 million in overtime over
the two years.
The Fire Chief responded the amount is an estimate; stated overtime is very volatile and
depends upon situations in the department.
Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether accepting the grant would be worth $2.7
million to Alameda, to which the Fire Chief responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor deHaan inquired whether the six fire fighters would be hired temporarily, to
which the Fire Chief responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor deHaan inquired what is the amount of overtime this year.
The Fire Chief responded the department will slightly exceed overtime this year; stated
the salary side will have a savings because of vacancies; the budget includes $800,000
for overtime; approximately $900,000 would be spent by the end of the year.
The Interim City Manager stated overtime would be over by approximately $100,000.
Vice Mayor deHaan inquired how much overtime would be reduced [if the grant is
accepted], to which the Fire Chief responded approximately $500,000 per year.
In response to Vice Mayor deHaan's inquiry, the Fire Chief stated overtime was
approximately $2 million a few years ago.
Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
May 18, 2010
Vice Mayor deHaan inquired whether the application was submitted by the Fire
Department.
The Interim City Manager responded policy requires the City to pursue as many grants
as possible and requires staff to come to Council for approval if the grant is operational;
the grant would be a two -year, temporary commitment.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired what is the due date and when money would be
available.
The Fire Chief responded June 4t"; stated the grant would be funded by the end of
June; the Fire Department would have ninety days to hire the fire fighters.
The Interim City Manager stated funds would be available by October 1 st
Mayor Johnson inquired whether it is fairly definite that the City would get the grant.
The Fire Chief responded in the affirmative; stated the Fire Department has never been
turned down after receiving a letter requesting information.
Mayor Johnson stated the grant seems like a good idea for Alameda.
Councilmember Gilmore stated the letter requests bank account information, which is a
good sign.
Speakers: Domenick Weaver, Alameda Firefighters IAFF 689; Nischit Hedge, Local
2850; Rob Bonta, Alameda Health Care District; Andrew Slivka, Alameda County
Carpenters Union; Mike Henneberry, Alameda; Andreas Cluver, Alameda County
Building Trades Council; and Josie Camacho, Alameda Labor Council.
Councilmember Tam moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice
vote — 5.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 9:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
May 18, 2010