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1999-06-15 Special and Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- -JUNE 15, 1999- -7:05 P.M. Acting Mayor Daysog convened the Special Meeting at 7:05 p.m. Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers DeWitt, Johnson, Kerr and Acting Mayor Daysog - 4. Absent: Mayor Appezzato - 1. The Special Meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider: (99-285) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation; Name of Case: City of Alameda v. Union Pacific Railroad. Following the Closed Session, the Special Meeting was reconvened and Acting Mayor Daysog announced that the Council gave instructions to the City Attorney. Adjournment There being no further business, Acting Mayor Daysog adjourned the Special Meeting at 7:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Diane B. Felsch, C C City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Special Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 - MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- -JUNE 15, 1999- -7:30 P.M. Acting Mayor Daysog convened the Regular Meeting at 7:36 p.m. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers DeWitt, Johnson, Kerr and Acting Mayor Daysog - 4. Absent: Mayor Appezzato - 1. AGENDA CHANGES None. PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (99-286) Presentation by Christine Monsen, Executive Director, Alameda County Transportation Authority (ACTA), on Measure B Reauthorization. Christine Monsen gave a presentation outlining the expenditure plan development process and proposed capital projects. Acting Mayor Daysog stated the City of Alameda is working hard on the transportation issues. Councilmember Kerr inquired whether the completion of [freeway] off- and on-ramps at 7th and Union Streets has reduced the need for capital improvements elsewhere. Steve Castleburry, Deputy Director, ACTA, responded the project is a phase of an overall project and ties in with the improvements made to date. Councilmember Kerr stated the Sierra Club was a major opponent of Measure B; Warm Springs extension made people particularly irate; inquired whether ACTA has approached the Sierra Club. Ms. Monsen stated the Sierra Club submitted a proposal which revealed there is more agreement than disagreement with the Plan; the Sierra Club was concerned with Warm Springs, however, their proposal did not unfund the project; the Sierra Club suggested ACTA review the project closely, implement an effective service, and consider options to BART extension. Councilmember Johnson stated there were substantial cuts to AC Transit bus service; many residents would be interested in having as much service restored as possible in the budget plan; different transit modes could be better connected. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 1 Ms. Monsen stated AC Transit is looking at restoring service. Councilmember DeWitt stated the City of Alameda established a Transit Committee which will emphasize improving public transportation; based on the 1998 Plan, a large portion of the funding goes to BART and projects outside Alameda; Alameda does not have BART; Alameda residents will probably only vote for the Plan if there is something attractive for the City; requested a greater emphasis be put on funding for AC Transit, ferry service, and street maintenance, e.g. potholes; stated the City currently receives $1 Million for street maintenance; urged ACTA to form a Plan which will assist with Alameda's public transportation needs and other issues relevant to Alameda; stated people voted against the Measure to protest the amount of money for BART. Acting Mayor Daysog inquired whether future ideas should be reported to Ms. Monsen, to which Ms. Monsen responded in the affirmative. Richard Neveln, Alameda, stated good public transit means better business, less environmental pollution and many good things for citizens; Alameda's share of BART money should be provided to transit service which actually comes to the City of Alameda; there are no buses to BART from Alameda for commuters; Measure B should be continued on a temporary basis to keep the tax from becoming a permanent burden. Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, urged ACTA representatives to take Councilmember DeWitt's concerns seriously. Councilmember Johnson requested AC Transit's representative to respond to Mr. Neveln's comments regarding buses to BART. Jim Gleich, AC Transit, stated there is extensive bus service to BART from Alameda; the proposed Measure provides for substantially more bus service funding; Mr. Neveln was probably referring to express services, which might be a possibility; if Measure B funds end in 2002, the impact on AC Transit is equivalent to elimination of all Saturday, Sunday and holiday service. Councilmember Kerr stated there are shuttles from both Business Parks to BART; the City does well shuttling people to work. Mr. Gleich stated AC Transit would like to provide 24-hour service throughout the entire Bay area. (99-287) Proclamation declaring June 19, 1999, as Clean Power Day. Vice Mayor Daysog read the Proclamation and presented it to Bill Garvine, Marketing Manager, Bureau of Electricity. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 (99 -288) The City Manager introduced the new Fire Chief, Rod Buchanan, and the new Library Director, Susan Hardie. CONSENT CALENDAR Acting Mayor Daysog announced that the Mayor's nominations for the Strategic Plan Task Force [paragraph no. 99 -291], the Out -of -Town Travel Budget [paragraph no. 99-292], sending letter, to AC. Transit [paragraph no. 99 -301], the Resolution supporting EBMUD Amendatory Contract [paragraph no. 99- 303] and introduction of the ordinance regarding posting flyers [paragraph no. 99 -306]_ were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember DeWitt moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Mayor Appezzato - 1. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.] (99 -289) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings held on June 1, 1999. Approved. Prior to Special Orders of the Day items and, approval of the Consent Calendar, Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the Minutes. Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Mayor Appezzato - 1. ( *99 -290) Recommendation to award Contract for Publishing of Legal Advertisements for FY 1999 -2000. Accepted. (99-291) Recommendation to approve Mayor's nominations (28) for appointment to the Economic Development Strategic Plan Task Force. Acting Mayor Daysog noted Council should approve the Mayor's nominations for the Strategic Plan Task Force; stated the Task Force will conduct a comprehensive review of economic development, growth and opportunities in the City of Alameda. Councilmember DeWitt moved approval of the Mayor's nominations for appointment to the Economic Development Strategic Plan Task Force. Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Mayor Appezzato - 1. (99 -292) Recommendation to adopt Out -of -Town Travel Budget for Fiscal Year 1999 -2000. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 Councilmember Johnson stated there is no funding to send Planning Board members to conferences. The City Manager responded an additional appropriation of $3,000 would allow two Planning Board members to attend the American Planning Association National Conference; the Planning Department did not have funds for Board members to attend conferences in the budget. Councilmember Johnson inquired whether a specific allocation is required. The City Attorney stated unless Council would like the matter to be brought back, Council could approve allocation of a certain amount; the City Charter requires Council to annually approve the Out-of- Town Budget; Council can approve the matter tonight or the matter must come back for specific authorization. Councilmember Kerr moved approval of the existing [Out-of-Town Travel] Budget plus $3,000 for the Planning Board; stated any additional expenses can come back to Council. Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember DeWitt stated the Bureau of Electricity and Housing Authority have funds to send Board members to conferences, and other Boards, Commissions and Committees do not; suggested funds be made available to allow other Commissioners to attend conferences; inquired why there are not funds available for said purpose. The Assistant City Manager responded previous Councils, during the past twenty years, determined there were not funds available to send Commissioners to conferences. Councilmember Kerr requested information be sent to Boards and Commissions, in addition to the Planning Board, to assess needs [for conference funding]; Boards and Commissions should report back to the City Manager. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Mayor Appezzato - 1. (*99-293) Recommendation to accept Annual Alameda's Investment Policy. Accepted. (*99-294) Recommendation to authorize Manager to present the 1129-1131 Regent Best Practices and Technical Assistance Missouri. Accepted. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 Submittal of the City of the Housing Development Street Project at the HUD Symposium in Kansas City, 1 7G (*99-295) Recommendation to accept the work of Fax Construction for Accessibility Upgrades at Woodstock Park, No. P.W. 12-96-14. Accepted. (*99-296) Recommendation to award Contract in the amount of $153,585.96 to Rubicon Enterprises, Inc., for Landscape Maintenance of Median Strips and. Special Areas for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2000, No. P.W. 02-99-05. Accepted. (*99-297) Recommendation to award Contract in the amount of $148,900 to Reliable Tree Experts for Pruning Trees within the City of Alameda for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2000, No. P.W. 02-99-06. Accepted. (*99-298) Recommendation to award Contract in the amount of $56,818.84 to Action Maintenance Systems for Janitorial Services in Various City Buildings Located in Alameda, California, for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2000, No. P.W. 02-99-07. Accepted. (*99-299) Recommendation to award Contract in the amount of $355,020.60 to Gallagher and Burk, Inc. for Repair and Resurfacing of Certain Streets, Phase 20, No. P.W. 03-99-09. Accepted. (*99-300) Recommendation to authorize installation of Four-Way Stop Controls at Willow Street and Clinton Avenue. Accepted. (99-301) Recommendation to authorize the Mayor to send a letter to A.C. Transit supporting expanded bus services to Alameda. Richard Neveln, Alameda, stated bus service to Marina Village stops at 7:00 p.m. and does not run on weekends; service which is good for commuters does not serve tourists or businesses which are open late. Allan Shore, Alameda, stated AC Transit must be informed that there is a desperate need to bring service levels back up to levels in place ten years ago; the Economic Strategic Plan Task Force should focus on transportation issues; a significant plan should be put in place to create a model program at the [former] Base. William Smith, Sierra Club, Alameda, stated the Sierra Club is pleased with AC Transit's service; suggested the 51 line be extended past Broadway to the Fruitvale BART station. Councilmember Kerr noted that during the Planning Board's discussion of a new motel at Marina Village, President Harris raised the question of public transportation; at check in, guests will be informed of bus lines, water taxies and the ferries. Jim Gleich, AC Transit, stated AC Transit is bringing back service which constitutes 40% of the service which was cut; AC Transit Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 171 surpluses will be used to sustain service levels through the existing life of Measure B; when the federal government eliminated federal operating assistance and required paratransit service, providers pleaded for funds; as part of new transportation law, Congress allowed service providers flexibility in spending capital money on operating needs to relive strained operating budgets; AC Transit should receive an additional $10 Million per year through the flexibility provisions. In response to Councilmember Johnson's inquiry, Mr. Gleich stated increased service will be considered on AC Transit's June 30th agenda. Councilmember Johnson moved approval of the staff recommendation. Councilmember DeWitt seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Mayor Appezzato - 1. ( *99 -302) Resolution No. 13110, "Supporting the Bay Trail." Adopted. (99 -303) Resolution No. 13111 "Supporting Completion of the East Bay Municipal Utility District Amendatory Contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation." Adopted. Danny Wan, EBMUD, stated EBMUD is projecting water supplies would not meet current demands`: in the event of a 2 or 3 year drought; EBMUD is trying to reduce demand and encourage conservation, e.g. low flow toilets; for twenty years, EBMUD has had a contract with the Bureau of Reclamation for American River water; due to lawsuits regarding the method of taking water from the River, the District has not been able to use the water; the Amended Contract is needed to allow EBMUD to: 1) take water in case of drought, 2) take water from different points in the River, which is more environmentally sensitive, 3) participate in a cooperative effort throughout the State, and 4) bank water in underground storage. Councilmember Kerr stated the municipal utility district in Sacramento is holding up the Contract; Sacramento does not have water meters and cannot use tier pricing to encourage conservation; EBMUD's customers are not using water up to pre - drought levels and have become accustomed to conservation; EIRs for new, large developments, e.g. in Eastern Contra Costa County, are not required to identify additional water supplies; requested Mr. Wan comment on the State Assembly's consideration of legislation to require identification of water supplies for new developments. Mr. Wan stated EBMUD is having problems ensuring sufficient water supply for current customers due to pressure to supply water to developments outside the District's current boundaries, e.g. Tasaharra and Doughtery Valley in the San Ramon area; State law Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 i72 allows planning agencies to order EBMUD to supply water outside the District's boundaries and EBMUD cannot refuse; State law does not require EIRs to find adequate water supply before developments are permitted; EBMUD will be requesting the City Council to support legislation which would require large developments to identify adequate water supplies. Councilmember Johnson inquired whether EBMUD is taking action regarding non-metered water in Sacramento. Mr. Wan responded Sacramento opposes the Amended Agreement; stated that he supports the Contract on the basis that EBMUD deserves rights to the American River over Sacramento. Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, stated low flush toilets require three flushes to clear the system; inquired whether EBMUD investigated low flush toilets. Mr. Wan stated during the past three years technology has increased. Councilmember Kerr moved adoption of the Resolution. Councilmember DeWitt seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Mayor Appezzato - 1. (*99-304) Resolution No. 13112, "Establishing Guidelines for Reimbursement of Per Diem Allowance for City of Alameda Business Travel." Adopted. (*99-305) Resolution No. 13113, "Amending Conflict of Interest Code by Amending Paragraph Two of Resolution No. 9460 Relative to Disclosure Positions and Disclosure Categories and Rescinding Resolution No. 13007." Adopted. (99-306) Recommendation to implement removal of flyers and signs as a secondary maintenance responsibility; and (99-306A) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Subsection 4-3 (Defacing Public Property) of Chapter IV (Offenses and Public Safety), to Restrict the Posting of Flyers/Signs Within the Public Right-of-Way. Steven Gerstle, Alameda, stated people have been posting notices since there has been paper and posts; it is a basic form of communication; the City uses the method to announce items of importance; the City should not criminalize citizens who would like to notify neighbors of lost dogs, etc.; posting notices ties the community together; suggested an alternate be identified, e.g. assign Community groups to remove signs. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 Councilmember Kerr stated the City Attorney used the term defacement in the Ordinance; inquired whether another Ordinance covers vandalism of public buildings; stated the City Hall elevator has been a target [of vandalism]. The City Attorney responded the State-wide Penal Code addresses the matter; it [defacement of public buildings] is a violation subject to criminal sanctions. Councilmember Kerr stated Mr. Gerstle has a good point; the problem is people leave signs up forever; people who lose dogs or cats would like to get their animals back; inquired whether there is a solution, e.g. dated signs with removal after one week. Councilmember DeWitt outlined options in the staff report; stated that he is in favor of [Option 2] maintenance department removal of signs and [Option 3] public campaign. In response to Councilmember Johnson's inquiry regarding the ability of staff to enforce the ordinance, the Public Works Director responded sign removal will be a secondary maintenance function; stated when traffic signal maintenance crews check each signal, posting will be removed; crews will not drive around looking to remove signs. Councilmember Kerr stated a one-week limit for dated signs should be included. Councilmember DeWitt stated dates would be difficult to monitor; the proposed ordinance does not allow signs in public areas; inquired whether staff could devise a method [to allow posting for a specific time]. Acting Mayor Daysog stated allowing signs to be posted for one week indicates it is acceptable to post signs; neighborhoods would have to permit signs which are an aesthetic blight. Councilmember Johnson stated dating signs poses difficulties; suggested a public kiosk be considered to allow the public to have a place to post flyers. Councilmember Kerr inquired whether Councilmember Johnson's suggestion was for placement of sign kiosks in parks and/or something similar. Councilmember Johnson responded in the affirmative; stated Council could review the matter at another time. The City Manager stated a seven day limit would be difficult to enforce; the City Attorney used an analogy of marking parked cars to determine whether time limits are exceeded; there is not Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 sufficient staff to enforce a time limit. Councilmember Kerr stated perhaps the concept of public kiosks could be explored. The City Manager stated the City Attorney suggested a possibility would be to use existing bus shelters; there may be other sources. Councilmember DeWitt moved approval of: 1) [Staff Report] Option 2: the Maintenance Department will remove signs illegally posted in prohibited public areas; 2) [Staff Report] Option 3: launch the public campaign explaining to people that materials are not to be posted in certain areas; and 3) prepare a [staff] report on the possibility of posting areas [kiosks]. Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion. Under discussion, the City Clerk inquired whether the motion included introduction of the Ordinance, to which Councilmember DeWitt responded in the affirmative; stated [his motion includes] introduction of the Ordinance amending the Alameda Municipal Code, as well as [Staff Report] Options 2 and 3. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Mayor Appezzato - 1. (*99-307) Introduction of Ordinance Approving and Authorizing Lease Agreement Between the Alameda Unified School District, as Lessor, and the City of Alameda, as Lessee, for Recreation and Park Department Facilities at Historic Alameda High School, East Wing, 2250 Central Avenue. Introduced. (*99-308) Ratified bills in the amount of $2,851,506.31. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (99-309) Public Hearing to consider Resolution No. 13114, "Confirming the Business Improvement Area Reports for FY 1999-2000 and Levying an Annual Assessment on the Alameda Business Improvement Area of the City of Alameda for FY 1999-2000." Adopted; and (99-310) Introduction of Ordinance Amending Alameda Municipal Code Subsection 6-7.2 to Expand the Alameda Business Improvement Area of the City of Alameda. Continued. Acting Mayor Daysog opened the public portion of the Hearing. Robb Ratto, Executive Director, Park Street Business Association, stated that he was available to answer questions. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 Iry Hamilton, West Alameda Business Association (WABA), stated west Alameda has experienced significant impacts due to base closure; progress is being made on Webster Street, e.g. proposal for shopper shuttle; submitted items for Council's information; further stated WABA requested expansion of the BIA; WABA and the Chamber have been reviewing ways to work together and coordinate programs; requested expansion of the BIA area be deferred for 60 days until the Chamber's new Executive Director begins. Dennis Pagones, President, Chamber of Commerce, stated the 60 day postponement to expand the BIA for WABA will allow the Chamber to further review the matter and work with WABA to determine future action. There being no further speakers, Acting Mayor Daysog closed the Public Portion of the Hearing. Acting Mayor Daysog stated Mr. Hamilton mentioned a shuttle for the Webster Street area; inquired whether AC Transit Board member Alice Creason would like to comment. Alice Creason, AC Transit, stated AC Transit has discussed possible ideas with WABA; due to other service improvements, there is not time to focus on the business shuttle; AC Transit is reviewing use of an electric shuttle or bus. Councilmember Kerr stated the main gate at Alameda Point is open; inquired whether AC Transit has made progress to reroute the #10 line. Ms. Creason stated Councilmember Kerr submitted suggestions which are being reviewed and that she [Ms. Creason] would have staff contact Councilmember Kerr. Councilmember Johnson moved the matter be continued to the first agenda after 60 days. Councilmember Kerr suggested that the matter go to the Economic Development Commission (EDC). The Economic Development Manager stated there are two items for Council consideration; suggested Council adopt the Resolution Confirming the existing BIA to allow the Finance Director to proceed with business license renewals. In response to Acting Mayor Daysog's inquiry regarding sending the matter to the EDC, the Economic Development Manager stated expansion can be addressed as Council desires and there can be separate action on the Resolution confirming the BIA. Councilmember DeWitt stated there are two separate matters; the Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 first is confirmation of the Report and levying the annual assessment; the second is continuation of the public hearing for 60 days to discuss new boundaries; inquired whether a motion was made [to address both issues]. Councilmember Johnson responded in the affirmative. Acting Mayor Daysog stated the motion included both [adoption of the Resolution and continuation of the introduction of ordinance for 60 days]. Councilmember Kerr suggested an amendment to the motion regarding the expanded BIA [introduction of ordinance]; requested that the expanded boundaries be reviewed by the EDC. Councilmember DeWitt inquired whether the matter [expansion of the BIA] should be reviewed by the EDC before returning to the Council. Councilmember Kerr stated the matter [expansion] will not be delayed; the Council will not address the matter for 60 days. The Economic Development Manager stated there is sufficient time, within the 60 -day continuation for the EDC to consider the matter. Mr. Pagones, Chamber of Commerce, stated the Chamber would not be opposed to EDC review, as long as no official action is taken. Mr. Hamilton, WABA, concurred. Councilmember Kerr inquired wether the motion was amended to include sending the expanded portion to the EDC, to which Councilmember Johnson responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Mayor Appezzato - 1. [Adopted, Resolution No. 13114; expansion of the BIA to be reviewed by the EDC; continued introduction of ordinance to August 17, 1999.] (99 -311) Public Hearing to Establish Proposition 4 Limit (Appropriation Limit) for 1999 -2000 City of Alameda Spending Limitations; and (99 -311A) Resolution No. 13115, "Establishing Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 1999-2000." Adopted. Acting Mayor Daysog opened the public portion of the Hearing. There being no speakers, Acting Mayor closed the public portion of the Hearing. Acting Mayor Daysog inquired whether the 1979 Gann initiative Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 created a formula that indicated how much taxes and revenues a city is permitted to collect based upon growth. The Finance Director responded in the affirmative; stated said Proposition basically established the base year [limit]; the City is allowed to increase the base limit pursuant to certain criteria, e.g. Consumer Price Index and population. Acting Mayor Daysog stated the City could potentially, based upon said formula, collect revenues up to $53 Million; however, the City is collecting $37 Million and running a lean machine. The Finance Director stated the City has approximately 29% wiggle room [flexibility]. Acting Mayor Daysog noted that he was not advocating a $53 Million Revenue Budget, although State law would allow it. Councilmember Kerr moved adoption of the Resolution. Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Mayor Appezzato - 1. (99-312) Recommendation to approve Third Amendment to the Measure B Funding Agreement for the Cross Airport Roadway Project. Stephen Brimhall, Executive Vice President, Doric Group, Master Developers of the Harbor Bay Project, stated Doric has been working on the Project for over thirteen years; there has been a great deal of staff effort; the proposed Agreement is fair; the Project will benefit the Harbor Bay Business Park, as well as the City; and Doric Group recommends approval of the Agreement. Councilmember DeWitt stated that he is in favor of the Project; time is running out; and moved approval of the Third Amended and Restated Measure B Funding Agreement. Councilmember Kerr stated that life will be very difficult in residential areas of Bay Farm Island; although there is a jog between Airport Roadway and Maitland Drive, there will be mean traffic between portal streets [leading] into a main traffic corridor; the Port of Oakland's original EIR on expansion of the Oakland Airport indicated that the roadway would increase traffic on High Street and Fernside Boulevard; and that she will vote against the staff recommendation. Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion. Under discussion, Acting Mayor Daysog stated it is critical to move Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 forward on the matter; the Public Works Director works closely with the Alameda County Transportation Authority and the Port of Oakland on devising mechanisms to keep costs low. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers DeWitt, Johnson and Acting Mayor Daysog - 3. Noes: Councilmember Kerr - 1. Absent: Mayor Appezzato 1. (99 -313) Resolution No. 13116, "Approving and Adopting the Operating Budget and Capital Improvements for Fiscal Year 1999 -2000 and Appropriating Certain Moneys for the Expenditures Provided in Said Fiscal Year." Adopted. Youth Collaborative Honora Murphy, Alameda League of Women Voters, thanked the City Council for its support of the Youth Collaborative. [$10,000 appropriation from the General Fund for 1999 -2000] Social Service Human Relations Board [$12,500 for FY 1999 -2000] Ed Dankworth, SSHRB Chair, stated the Board needs $24,196 for next fiscal year; the $12,500 for FY 1998 -99 paid for part -time staff, Corey Cook; during this Fiscal Year the Board accomplished the following : 1) held a Community Forum on Intolerance and Creating a Community of Civility, 2) generated procedures for responding to hate crimes and biased - motivated incidents, and 3) the Smart Healthy Babies Work Group developed a proposal for comprehensive home visits and may receive County funding; the funding requested for next fiscal year would double the time the part -time employee could spend on similar projects; e.g., expanding the Alameda Together Against Hate work group by developing conflict management programs in the schools and creating additional outreach programs to reduce hate and intolerance in the City, implementing Home Visit Program, broadening Smart Health Babies Program to include childcare, training and parent resource centers, and expanding the activities of the Assessment and Awareness Work Group by preparing a formal report on critical gaps in social services available to residents. Chair Dankworth requested the City Council to increase the Board's budget. Lois Workman, Social Service Human Relations Board member, stated last year's funding allowed the Board to generate more funds to do better things for Alameda. Jackson Park Councilmember Kerr inquired about the status of Jackson Park; Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 179 stated Council approved funding for a "Study" last fiscal year; construction was to begin this fiscal year. The Public Works Director responded staff is preparing a response to Councilmember Kerr's recent e-mail inquiry regarding said matter; members of the Historical Advisory Board expressed concern about the removal of the bandstand and stated the bandstand was a historic resource which should be retained; staff is currently working with the Recreation and Park Department to determine how to proceed; staff is trying to acquire an estimate, from the original Consultant hired to demolish the bandstand, on restoring the significant portion of the structure; restoration will probably cost more money than is budgeted; staff will report back to Council on the matter. Councilmember Kerr stated there are no pictures or plans of the original bandstand, and questioned how the structure could be restored [to its original state]. The Public Works Director responded staff would study the structure; stated there may be some idea(s) from members of the Historical Advisory Board; the historic [portion] of the structure could be restored; the structure could be raised to provide for all of the Project's originally envisioned features; details are not currently available. Councilmember Kerr stated the detailed Work Plan came through the Recreation & Park Department; the Plan, which spells out the work clearly, was approved by the City Council one year ago; a project should not come to a halting stop because some individuals chose not to attend [Recreation] Commission Meetings when the matter was discussed and developed; questioned what will happen to the money approved for the work; stated that in 1994, the money for Jackson Park was diverted to the Hardball Field; during the intervening years the Project was unfunded; last year, the project was finally funded; a group of people now have brought the project to a halt; and staff should not have allowed that to happen without bringing the issue back to the Recreation Commission and/or City Council. The City Manager stated staff's standing policy is to work with the community; many of the individuals who raised the historic preservation issue are interested in the restoration of the Park itself also; process is a continuing interactive one; a delay is not unusual when community needs are being responded to; and there is an appropriation for the Project. The Public Works Director stated Jackson Park is a Capital Improvements Project (CIP); typically, staff works with the Finance Department to carryover unexpended CIP funds; the Finance Department has a mechanism in place to carryover funding until a CIP is completed. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 The City Manager stated the monies for the Jackson Park Project will be carried over, and will not be reallocated for another project without a specific Council action. Councilmember Kerr stated funding for Jackson Park has a way of disappearing; the Recreation Commission is the appropriate forum should a citizens' group come in regarding the project. Acting Mayor Daysog stated funding for the project has been appropriated; sometimes it takes time to do something right; and perhaps Councilmember Kerr's recommendation to work with different groups will make the final result even better. Councilmember Kerr stated Jackson Park has a way of not happening. Acting Mayor Daysog responded Council will make it happen. Councilmember Kerr stated Jackson Park is deteriorating; the trees need help and ADA problems should be corrected; Jackson Park has become a victim of the attitude that if a park does not have a lot of activities, e.g. children, it is not a park; Jackson Park is a valuable historic resource and the City's oldest park; a year has gone by since the project was funded and nothing has been done. The City Manager stated the City has taken actions; staff does share updates; Council will have a written update, off agenda report, at a later date; City is proceeding forward on the matter; Council has not changed its mind and given staff different direction on said Project; staff does not see any diminishment in Council support; staff is proceeding forward and the Project will be completed. Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, stated the subject of Jackson Park came up twenty -five years ago when he served on the Historical Advisory [Commission] Board; the Board always wanted to restore that particular building [bandstand]; Woody Minor gave a presentation to the Board and he should be contacted for any information. Councilmember Kerr stated people have tried very hard to find an existing drawing and history on Jackson Park; Woody Minor was contacted; the City of Oakland rehabilitated Lafayette Park, a downtown park, which is an addition to not only the neighborhood, but to the business district also. Acting Mayor Daysog stated the energy around Jackson Park has not dissipated. Councilmember Johnson inquired whether members of the public had been asked for photographs. [An affirmative response was received from certain member(s)of the audience.] Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 .1 8 I Social Service Human Relations Board (continued) Councilmember DeWitt inquired whether his assumption that the Budget could allow for an increase to the SSHRB's appropriation was correct, to which the City Manager responded in the affirmative. Councilmember DeWitt stated before an appropriation increase was granted, he would need to be convinced that the funds were for worthy projects; that he is pleased with Corey Cook; funding should be provided for such things as writing grants and seeking funds; and SSHRB should report back to the City Council with a proposal. The City Manager explained the budgetary process. Acting Mayor Daysog suggested Council consider approving SSHRB's budget request for $24,000, with the stipulation that the Board report back on funding priorities. Councilmember DeWitt stated the Board should pinpoint where the funds would go. Chair Dankworth stated the money would be used to double the part- time employee's work hours, and for the anti-hate program, home visit program and the report on critical gaps in social services. Acting Mayor Daysog clarified that the bulk of the part-time employee's time would be dedicated to children-related issues. Councilmember Kerr stated that she is in favor of keeping the budget as recommended [in the staff report]; if the SSHRB wants additional funding, a report, with specifics, should be brought back to the City Council. Councilmember DeWitt stated a SSHRB budget increase should be addressed by the Council as a separate item; Council should approve the $12,500 this evening, and an additional appropriation of $12,500 another time. Councilmember Kerr moved Council approve the Budget as presented by staff, direct SSHRB to report back with a proposal for additional funding, and direct funding for Jackson Park be carried over to the next Fiscal Year. Under discussion, Councilmember Johnson stated that she is open to considering additional funding for SSHRB when the Board's proposal is presented. Councilmember DeWitt seconded the motion. Acting Mayor Daysog stated a $24,000 Budget for the Social Service Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999 Human Relations Board would allow it to reach its full potential. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Mayor Appezzato - 1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (99-314) Richard Neveln, Alameda, stated the business community should participate in the community transit planning process; there should be city-wide community posting boards; and commented on the matter of whales washing up onto the shoreline. (99-315) Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, requested the matter of the Park Street Bridge being raised at the lunch hour should be addressed by appropriate officials; business is lost during the lunch hour because of delays. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (99-316) Councilmember Johnson stated staff should address the matter of the Park Street Bridge being raised during commute hours. (99-317) Councilmember Johnson reported that she viewed the washed up whale in the morning; at the moment, it is not accessible to the public and should not be a problem for users of the former Base [Alameda Point] or for residents. (99-318) Councilmember Kerr stated the quality of telecasting City Council- and Board Meetings, including audio transmissions, is getting worse; often a heavy background buzz obliterates the ability to hear speakers; also, often camera angles are too distant which does not allow the viewer to identify speakers. The Assistant City Manager reported that a technician would be checking the entire system. Honora Murphy, Alameda, stated telecasting problems have been occurring for quite some time. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Acting Mayor Daysog adjourned the Regular Meeting at 9:48 p.m. ectfully subm't ed, D ane B. Felsch, CMC City Clerk Agenda for meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 15, 1999