2014-02-04 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -FEBRUARY 4, 2014- -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Gilmore convened the meeting at 7:17 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Chen, Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Tam
and Mayor Gilmore – 5.
Absent: None.
AGENDA CHANGES
(14-031) Mayor Gilmore announced that the NBS Contract [paragraph no. 14-044]
would be heard before the Alameda Point Hearing [paragraph no. 14-045].
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY & ANNOUNCEMENTS
(14-032) The Public Works Administrative Services Manager, Park Manager, Public
Works Superintendent, Chief Operating Officer – Alameda Point and Fire Chief gave a
Power Point presentation on the City’s efforts to reduce water use.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(14-033) Carlos Cadiente, Alameda, discussed the proposed Emergency Operations
Center plans.
(14-034) Robb Ratto, Park Street Business Association (PSBA), thanked Public Works
for the Holiday lights.
(14-035) Isabel Cortes, Office of Senator Hancock, introduced herself and encouraged
the Council and public to use her as a resource.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Gilmore announced that the Consultant Agreement with Public Agency
Retirement Services [paragraph no. 14-040] was removed from the Consent Calendar
for discussion and the Ordinance Amending Zoning Map at 2350 Harbor Bay Parkway
[paragraph no. 14-041] was continued to February 18, 2014.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Tam seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote – 5.
[Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph
number.]
(14-036) Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on January 7, 2014.
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Alameda City Council
February 4, 2014
Approved.
(14-037) Ratified bills in the amount of $3,416.016.62.
(14-038) Recommendation to Approve the City of Alameda Investment Policy.
Accepted.
(14-039) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Enter Into a
Grant Agreement with the Rockefeller Foundation for the Cost of Funding the Mayor’s
Chief Resilience Officer; to Receive Other Resilience Services; and Upon Receipt of
Sufficient Grant Funds for the Term of the Grant, Add an Additional Division Chief
Position to Fire Department Authorized Positions to Serve as the Chief Resilience
Officer and to Backfill Regular Fire Staff, Including the Hiring of a Limited Term
Firefighter. Accepted.
(14-040) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a
Consultant Agreement with Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) for a Post-
Employment Retirement Benefit (OPEB) Plan; and
(14-040 A) Resolution No. 14887, “Authorizing the Establishment of an Internal
Revenue Code (IRC) Section 115 Irrevocable Trust (OPEB Trust) with PARS to Prefund
Post-Employment Benefits for Eligible Retirees.” Adopted.
The Finance Director gave a brief presentation.
Urged Council to move forward; noted funds must be put into the account to accrue
interest: Former Councilmember Doug deHaan, Alameda.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of the staff recommendation and adoption of
the resolution.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote – 5.
(14-041) Final Passage of Ordinance Amending Zoning Map at 2350 Harbor Bay
Parkway from O (Open Space) to C-M PD (Commercial-Manufacturing, with a Planned
Development Overlay) with Specified Conditions. Continued to February 18, 2014.
[Hold for final passage; New file: 460-20]
(*14-042) Ordinance No. 3085, “Approving a Lease and Authorizing the City Manager to
Negotiate and Execute Amendments and Other Corresponding Documents Necessary
to Implement the Terms of a Lease with Proximo Distillers, LLC for Ten Years with an
Additional Ten Year Option in a Portion of Building 22 Located at 2505 Monarch Street
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Alameda City Council
February 4, 2014
at Alameda Point.” Finally passed.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(14-043) Summary: Consider forming City of Alameda Community Facilities District
(CFD) No. 13-2 (Alameda Landing Municipal Services District) and, if no majority
protest, (a) authorize the levy of a special tax within the District and the issuance of
bonded indebtedness, (b) call for a special election within the District to establish an
appropriations limit, (c) declare the results of the election and, if two-thirds (2/3) or more
of the votes cast are in favor of the District, (d) direct a notice of special tax lien be
recorded and (e) introduce an ordinance levying special taxes within the District.
Continued Public Hearing to Consider Formation of City of Alameda Community
Facilities District No. 13-2 (Alameda Landing Municipal Services District);
(14-043 A) Resolution No. 14888, “Resolution of Formation of the City of Alameda
Community Facilities District No. 13-2 (Alameda Landing Municipal Services District)
Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax within the District, Preliminarily Establishing an
Appropriations Limit for the District, and Submitting Levy of the Special Tax and the
Establishment of the Appropriations Limit to the Qualified Electors of the District.”
Adopted;
(14-043 B) Resolution No. 14889, “Calling Special Election within the City of Alameda
Community Facilities District No. 13-2 (Alameda Landing Municipal Services District).”
Adopted;
(14-043 C) Conduct Special Election;
(14-043 D) Resolution No. 14890, “Declaring Results of Special Election and Directing
Recording of Notice of Special Tax Lien – Alameda Landing Municipal Services District
(MSD).” Adopted; and
(14-043 E) Introduction of Ordinance Levying Special Taxes within the City of Alameda
Community Facilities District No. 13-2 (Alameda Landing Municipal Services District).
Introduced. [Hold for final passage: 345-60]
The Community Development Director gave a brief presentation.
Mayor Gilmore opened the public hearing.
There being no speakers, Mayor Gilmore closed the public hearing.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how the public safety provision amount of $97,949
was calculated.
The Community Development Director responded a fiscal impact analysis was prepared
by Keyser Marsten for the Bayport and Alameda Landing areas; stated the numbers are
derived from a per capita analysis.
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February 4, 2014
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired if the public safety services includes both Police and
Fire, to which the Community Development Director responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired why the annual tax assessment is a flat rate of
$1,200 instead of based on square footage.
The Community Development Director responded the $1,200 flat rate is the negotiated
amount contained in the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA); stated the
same amount was assessed at the Bayport MSD.
Councilmember Daysog stated the MSD for Bayport was created because the City still
had obligations through the development after redevelopment was over.
Councilmember Daysog moved adoption of the resolution forming the district.
Councilmember Tam seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote – 5.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved adoption of the resolution calling the election.
Councilmember Chen seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote – 5.
Mayor Gilmore asked the City Clerk to announce the results of the election.
The City Clerk announced there were 49 votes in favor and none against.
Mayor Gilmore announced the Council may proceed with the final actions.
Councilmember Chen moved adoption of the resolution declaring the results of the
special election.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote –
5.
Councilmember Chen moved introduction of the ordinance.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote –
5.
(14-044) Recommendation to Award a Contract in the Amount of $40,050 to NBS for
Balloting Property Owners for Assessment Increases in the Island City Landscaping and
Lighting District 84-2, Zones 2, 3, and 4.
The Public Works Administrative Services Manager gave a Power Point presentation.
Councilmembers Daysog and Chen recused themselves and left the room.
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Alameda City Council
February 4, 2014
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how soon the proposed improvements would be
seen.
The Public Works Administrative Services Manager responded bids could be sent out
once the assessments for the next year are determined; stated improvements could be
seen by September 1, 2014.
Noted maintenance is costly; stated the PSBA Board unanimously approved a plan to
double the assessment over the next three years and have a Consumer Price Index
increase annually thereafter: Robb Ratto, PSBA.
Mayor Gilmore inquired if the PSBA and West Alameda Business Association (WABA)
elections are separate, to which the Public Works Administrative Services Manager
responded in the affirmative; stated the elections are independent and separate.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether garbage overflow clean-up would be paid if
there is enough funding.
The Public Works Administrative Services Manager responded in the affirmative; stated
overflow garbage could be maintained by someone onsite.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted the design of the garbage containers could also be an
impediment.
Councilmember Tam stated there have been issues because of absentee property
owners; inquired if the proposal is broadly supported.
The Public Works Administrative Services Manager responded balloting is based on
votes casts; stated the WABA Board has voted unanimously in favor of the proposal
and are willing to do outreach to educate members; the proposal will pass as long as
50% vote in favor.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of awarding the contract to NBS.
Councilmember Tam seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote – 3.
[Absent: Councilmember Chen and Daysog – 2.]
(14-045) Summary: This is a public hearing to address the following items: (1) certifying
Alameda Point's Final Environmental Impact Report, a document assessing
environmental impacts associated with the Alameda Point project, (2) approving
changes to the City’s General Plan as it relates to Alameda Point which will result in
increased employment opportunities and will modify the street network supporting a
transit-oriented development, (3) amending the zoning code, and (4) approving a
Master Infrastructure Plan to establish standards for backbone infrastructure to
accommodate the redevelopment of Alameda Point.
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Alameda City Council
February 4, 2014
Public Hearing to Consider Certifying the Environmental Impact Report, and Approving
a General Plan Amendment, Zoning Ordinance Amendment, and Master Infrastructure
Plan for the Alameda Point Project:
(14-045 A) Resolution No. 14891, “Certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report,
and Adopt Findings and a Statement of Overriding Considerations, Mitigation Measures,
and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs for the Alameda Point Project.”
Adopted;
(14-045 B) Resolution No. 14892, “Approving a General Plan Amendment to Modify
General Plan Table 2-7 to Provide Additional Opportunities to Increase Employment at
Alameda Point Consistent with the 1996 Community Reuse Plan and to Modify
Transportation Element Street Network to Support a Transit Oriented Mixed Use
Development at Alameda Point.” Adopted;
(14-045 C) Introduction of Ordinance Amending Various Sections of the Alameda
Municipal Code Contained in Chapter XXX (Development Regulations) to Ensure
Consistency between the City of Alameda General Plan and the City of Alameda
Municipal Code for those Lands Generally referred to as “Alameda Point.” Introduced;
[Hold for final passage; New file: 440-25; cross reference: 460-20, 440-60] and
(14-045 D) Resolution No. 14893, “Recommending Approval of the Master
Infrastructure Plan (MIP) Establishing the Requirements and Standards for the
Backbone Infrastructure to Support the Redevelopment and Reuse of Alameda Point.”
Adopted.
The City Planner provided a handout and gave a Power Point presentation.
Mayor Gilmore stated the Alameda Country Transportation Commission formed a
subcommittee on which she and Councilmember Tam sit; the subcommittee arrived at a
consensus that the solution does not only involve efficient ways to move cars in
Oakland China Town and has made a commitment to do another traffic-pedestrian
study to evaluate the impacts on pedestrians in China Town; two productive meetings
were held with a lot of input from China Town; Alameda is interested in a solution,
whatever it may be.
The City Planner concurred with Mayor Gilmore; stated the transportation issue is a
regional problem requiring the cooperation of Alameda and Oakland; continued his
presentation.
Councilmember Tam inquired if Alameda Point was way over capacity with 18,000 jobs
at the Naval Air Station during its heyday.
The City Planner responded in the affirmative, stated the Navy was the only employer;
24-hour workday shifts were staggered, however, the Tube was still backed up every
afternoon; capacity in the tube under the regional model only looks at peak commute
periods of the morning and evening.
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February 4, 2014
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the GPA reduces the number of housing units;
inquired if the number is flexible and whether residential units could be added in the
future to make the job-housing balance more vibrant.
The City Planner responded in the affirmative; stated any changes are possible but
would involve public hearings; the City has a Conveyance Agreement with the Navy; not
all the property has been conveyed; the Navy has completed their environmental review
which only includes 1,425 housing units; the plan improves the job-housing balance
Citywide.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the emphasis on Transportation Demand
Management (TDM) in today’s documents reflect Alameda Point changing.
The City Planner responded in the affirmative; stated Alameda Point will be more job
heavy; today’s TDM plays to Alameda’s strengths and is a program that Alameda can
accomplish, commit to, and fund; an aggressive TDM will accommodate growth by
changing behaviors.
Councilmember Chen stated there has been lots of staff hours spent to ensure the
success of the TDM and to attract more transit oriented residents; a lot depends on
Oakland mitigation and cooperation; inquired what if the plan does not work.
The City Planner responded the plan will happen in phases over 20 to 25 years; Council
will be provided annual reports monitoring trip data and determining whether or not
goals are being met; the Council will ultimately have control and the ability to decide on
alternatives.
The City Manager stated the City would maintain control and engage in transactions
that are financially sound; the pace of development could be controlled; there are two
important characteristics: 1) the City never loses control, and 2) there is flexibility based
on market signals.
The Chief Operating Officer – Alameda Point concurred with the City Manager; stated
staff is working closely with highly qualified professionals, and the plan has been
completely vetted.
Stated there will be economic opportunities; urged moving forward: Doug Biggs,
Alameda Point Collaborative.
Presented a brief power point regarding transit: Ethan Clifton, Alameda.
Urged a comprehensive traffic study for China Town and Alameda: Carl Chan, Oakland
Chinatown Chamber.
Provided submittal and reviewed East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) comments
on the EIR: Larry Tong, EBRPD.
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February 4, 2014
Expressed supports for the EIR; stated that she is looking forward to next design steps:
Diane Lichtenstein, HOMES.
Advocated for quality development and urged next steps to continue in the open with
public comment: Helen Sause, Alameda Homes.
Urged more discussion on impacts of traffic in the Tubes: Denis Carroll, Alameda.
Expressed supports for the proposed zoning changes: Leslie Cameron, Bay Ship &
Yacht.
Urged using Tacoma, Washington as model city for water and transit; provided history
of Alameda Point planning: former Councilmember Hadi Monsef, Alameda.
Urged removal of Charter constraints on housing: Bill Smith, Renewed Hope Housing.
Stated the waterfront and restaurants will attract residents; a utopia without cars does
not make sense: Jim Strehlow, Alameda
Stated Alamedan’s quality of life is priority; commented on de-emphasizing automobiles
and emphasizing BART and ferry ridership: former Councilmember Doug deHaan,
Alameda.
Stated Alameda will be the next Sausalito: Bobeck Paradian, Owner, Café Jolie,
Alameda.
Stated that she is excited to see Alameda move forward and bring a 21-year entitlement
process to a close: Karen Bey, Alameda.
Urged that new development not compromise the historical district: Christopher
Buckley, Alameda Architectural Preservation Society.
Stated the City should pay attention to the effects of development on harbor seals and
all wildlife at Alameda Point: Rachel Campos, Alameda.
Stated that she is impressed with report; the community is very informed and was
involved in the process: Gretchen Lipow, Alameda.
Stated the proposal was fully vetted by the Planning Board; that he supports moving
forward, Mike Henneberry, Alameda.
Stated the policies and guidelines lay good ground work; that she is impressed with
traffic management ideas: Laura Thomes Renewed Hope Housing Advocates.
Councilmember Chen stated bullet points in the draft EIR indicate there is significant
Regular Meeting
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February 4, 2014
impact to pedestrian safety at 8th Street & Harrison Avenue in Oakland China Town;
encouraged finding a common, united solution; inquired if a source of funding has been
identified for building the levy in the MIP.
The Chief Operating Officer – Alameda Point responded in the affirmative; stated there
are three primary funding sources: 1) land sale proceeds, 2) CFD assessments placed
on property owners, and 3) impact fees, which require every project and parcel to pay a
fair share of infrastructure costs.
Councilmember Tam thanked staff; stated there is a concern the City does not have a
Plan B; that she would like to have assurances in the resolution that any Alameda Point
mitigation does not compete with the rest of the Island for funding.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft discussed a letter submitted by the Alameda Preservation
Society requesting language be changed in the EIR; stated she would not want staff to
change the language in the EIR at this point; a ferry system is a great solution for
Alameda Point and the Public Works Department can address parking problems; the
cycle tracks is a transit oriented alternative to automobiles.
Councilmember Daysog thanked residents for their comments and for coming to the
meetings; stated tonight is an historic night for the City; early planning documents and
land use plans discussed trophy-like traffic mitigations which are seared into the minds
of residents; that a shift emphasizing jobs, instead of housing, is needed to influence the
TDM and alter behavior of residents; other transportation ideas are not discounted, but
are more reasonable as part of the maturation process; there are still controls in place
to guide the development, the zoning, and the General Plan land uses and intensities
contemplated.
Mayor Gilmore concurred with one of the speaker’s comments that the public has been
well informed with regard to Alameda Point and the EIR; thanked staff and the Planning
Board for taking time and explaining step by step; expressed gratitude to the public for
taking time to be educated, being engaged, and lending input to the process; the public
process was the best run she had the privilege to be involved in; she is confident
Alameda can deal with transit issues; the same ideas and methods have worked in
other cities; she was skeptical with the City taking lead, but there are sincere efforts to
put jobs first; if the issue is passed tonight, it is not the end.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved adoption of the EIR resolution.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call
vote: Councilmembers Chen: Aye; Daysog: Aye; Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye; Tam: Aye; and
Mayor Gilmore: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
Councilmember Chen moved adoption of the General Plan Amendment resolution.
Councilmember Tam seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote:
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Alameda City Council
February 4, 2014
Councilmembers Chen: Aye; Daysog: Aye; Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye; Tam: Aye; and Mayor
Gilmore: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
Councilmember Daysog moved introduction of Ordinance amending the AMC.
Councilmember Chen seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote:
Councilmembers Chen: Aye; Daysog: Aye; Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye; Tam: Aye; and Mayor
Gilmore: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
Councilmember Tam moved adoption of Master Infrastructure Plan resolution with
amendment to addendum to include MIP will be consistent with adopted fiscal neutrality
policy.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call
vote: Councilmembers Chen: Aye; Daysog: Aye; Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye; Tam: Aye; and
Mayor Gilmore: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
None.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(14-046) Councilmember Daysog announced that he attended the League of California
Cities meeting on January 22nd.
(14-047) Councilmember Tam announced that she also attended the East Bay division
meeting of the League of California Cities; the Environmental Water Quality Committee
focused on the drought, and the political landscape of East Bay was discussed; she
also attended the license plate reader briefing.
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Alameda City Council
February 4, 2014
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Gilmore adjourned the meeting at 10:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.
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Alameda City Council
February 4, 2014