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1998-06-09 Special CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY- -JUNE 9, 1998- -7:00 p.m. Mayor Appezzato called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. Councilmember DeWitt led the pledge of allegiance. Roll Call: Present: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Kerr and Mayor Appezzato - 4. Absent: Councilmember Lucas - 1. (98-325) Resolution No. 13006, "Adoption of Joint Resolution of the City Councils of All the Cities in Alameda County Urging the Governor and the State Legislature to Oppose the Phase-out of Vehicle License Fees." Adopted. Councilmember Daysog moved adoption of the Resolution. Councilmember Kerr seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Councilmember Lucas - 1. (98-326) Work Session to consider Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal years 1998-99, 1999-2000, including presentations by various civic groups. (98-326A) Mayor Appezzato stated the Skate Board Park would be addressed first. Skate Board Park The following speakers spoke in favor of a Skate Board Park: Burny Matthews, Alameda, Gene Kahane, Alameda, Patrick Baker, Alameda, Leslie Madine, Alameda, Don Roberts, Alameda, Bobbie Centurion, Alameda, Eric Montez, Alameda, James Leach, Alameda, Keith Nealy, Alameda, Cherise Perry Gabriella Centurion Vita Vasquez Enrique Pacheco Daniel Osborne Michael Torrey Robert Todd Special Meeting Alameda City Council June 9, 1998 Following public speakers on the Skate Park, Mayor Appezzato stated it is time to begin the planning process; that he will support placing the Skate Board Project on the Capital Improvements Projects List; Council should address funding for design phase and the feasibility of the Park to begin the process. Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he supports the idea of accepting the Skate Park Capital Improvement Project, and questioned funding for said Project. The Recreation Director stated the Design Phase is estimated at $30,000; cost could go as high as $50,000 for a state of the art Skate Park and a contingency. Vice Mayor DeWitt questioned how much of the funding for Capital Improvement Project No. 92-18, the resurfacing of park pathways, could be given up. The Recreation Director responded that she would be willing to defer the park pathway repairs for one year; City would re-patch the pathways at the three parks of highest priority: Lincoln, Krusi and Washington Parks; and that she would commit the entire $50,000 to the design phase of the Skate Park. Councilmember Kerr expressed concern regarding slip and fall lawsuits; stated a number of the repairs are required by ADA regulations; staff and the Recreation Commission should examine funding from a number of different departments, e.g. the Police Department; if Skate Park project is funded, something else must be cut; and that she is in favor of the general concept of the Park. Mayor Appezzato stated that he is aware of the goal to increase Reserves to 25%; however, if there was an absolute need, he would be willing to consider an allocation from the General Fund Reserves. Councilmember Daysog stated the Council must balance a wide variety of competing requests; many groups have unfunded programs on the books; money is scarce; if the Utility Users Tax [Measure in November] is not passed, the matter will be moot; and that he supports placing the Skate Board Park on the list, and possibly funding for the design phase. Mayor Appezzato stated the acreage for a major sports complex at Alameda Point has been set aside; the Skate Park would fit in with that complex; Council will find monies for the design phase after staff reports back. Councilmember Kerr moved Council direct staff to review funding sources for the design phase, and report back to Council. Special Meeting Alameda City Council June 9, 1998 Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Vice Mayor DeWitt commented on grant funding; requested Councilmember Kerr to amend her motion to include direction to staff to review methods for grant funding in the future. Councilmember Kerr agreed to amend her motion to direct staff to consider grants. The City Attorney clarified the meeting on the Capital Improvement Projects was a Work Session and Final Budget adoption was scheduled for July 7. Mayor Appezzato stated there had been informal discussions on people providing grant monies for the Alameda Point Swimming Pool, and maybe [review of grant monies] could be extended further, including private funding sources. Councilmember Kerr stated the next step in educating the youth on creating projects should be grant writing. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Lucas - 1. *** Mayor Appezzato called a recess at 8:15 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:27 p.m. * * * Cultural Arts (98-326B) The President of the Recreation Commission commented on the Recreation Commission's recommendation. The following persons spoke regarding Cultural Arts: Mark Merarri Don Roberts Robert Payne Bonnie Boller Robert Rothrock Tom Billings Irene Thomas Morten Wellhaven Margie Sherraatt Jim Brock Robbie Delaho Judith Lynch Special Meeting Alameda City Council June 9, 1998 Following public discussion regarding Cultural Arts, Mayor Appezzato inquired whether there was space at the Veterans Memorial Building or the Base to accommodate the Alliance of the Arts. The Assistant City Manager responded the Recreation and Park Department is responsible for renting space at the Veterans Memorial Building; insofar as space at the Base, the Naval Museum, Aerospace and others, are competing for the same 35,000 square feet; and staff could review matter further. Mayor Appezzato suggested consideration of exploring the use of school facilities. Mayor Appezzato stated that he will have to be assured that the Historical Museum has its act together in order to continue support; the Museum is important to the community. Councilmember Daysog stated that his support for the Historical Museum is unchanged; support is the same as it was a year ago; the location of the Museum is a decision of the Museum Board. Mayor Appezzato stated a permanent space should be found for the arts; a matter of space has been discussed for years; staff must make it happen, whether at the Veterans Building or out at the Base; that he likes the idea of trying to grasp an umbrella around as many of the arts as possible; maybe the community will someday grant funding for alliance of arts, and alliance would share in one funding grant for all of its members' activities. Mayor Appezzato further stated that he needs to be reassured in the very near future that the Museum Board/members can make it work; he is not sure he can support funding the full $38,400; he would consider (funding] July and August, 1998, in order for the Museum to get its affairs in order; the Museum could find a place out at the Base and join with the Naval Museum, the Western Air Space Museum, and the Hornet; that he is not going to shut the door entirely on a Museum downtown; before agreeing to continue funding close to $40,000, he must be assured that the by-laws will be written, the Board is in place, and the turmoil is resolved. Mayor Appezzato stated that he would like the Civic Light Opera's funding efforts to continue; Council should make a strong charge to staff to find a place for the arts; if the Veterans Building is a place that can be used without displacing the veterans, that should be the site; needs to be done now; staff should let Council know what the costs are to make it happen. Councilmember Kerr stated the Museum should be funded for just two additional months after this fiscal year; there should be a Business Plan and a report on what is going on. Councilmember Kerr stated the City has met its commitment to the Special Meeting Alameda City Council June 9, 1998 Civic Light Opera (CLO), and support should not be continued. In regard to the Musical Theater and the Alliance of the Arts, the concept of a Center of the Arts is good; a year ago, the Historical Museum was discussing becoming the cultural center; there is an overlap and duplication which is another reason to fund the Museum for another two months to determine what is going on; space should be found for a central Alliance of the Arts; performances and exhibits could be coordinated at the Base; that she would support a strong staff effort to find space; funding should be continued for the Historical Museum for another two months and staff should report back. Mayor Appezzato stated staff should come back with something concrete or state that it is not possible. The Assistant City Manager stated staff would report back to the Council with an answer to the question after mc-ting on the matter during the next week, including with the various groups. Vice Mayor DeWitt stated he endorse the idea of paying rent for the Museum for two more months; he endorse the Museum moving to a permanent home; staff should report back to Council; Alameda is a cultural center and activities might someday be in the Civic Center; Alameda needs an alliance of artists and the City should fund a certain portion. The Mayor questioned whether the Museum and the Alliance could be together, and stated the City is not large enough to create different art organizations. Councilmember Kerr stated the Musical Theater is part of the picture in finding space. Mayor Appezzato stated the City will try to find an umbrella to include all of the art organizations; some will work out of the same facility; all of the organizations need to associate with one another. Councilmember Daysog moved that the City continue to fund the Historical Museum for the next two months, and should there be no site found, the balance of the $38,400 continue [to be paid]. MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. Councilmember Kerr moved that Council direct staff to support the Historical Museum for an additional two months, and re-evaluate said matter at that time; staff also explore a permanent home for the Museum and provide [Council] with a Business Plan. Mayor Appezzato clarified that the direction to staff includes all of the arts. Special Meeting Alameda City Council June 9, 1998 Councilmember Kerr responded in the affirmative. Vice Mayor DeWitt seconded the motion. Under discussion, the Assistant City Manager clarified that Council desires, in addition to staff locating a permanent home for the Museum, to also put an umbrella together, if possible. Mayor Appezzato responded if possible; [staff] should begin the process. Don Roberts requested clarification from the City Attorney; stated the meeting is a Work Shop and there are no action items listed on an agenda for a Work Shop; it sounded to him as though the proposal(s) by Councilmembers Daysog and Kerr actually include action item(s), i.e., directing staff to provide funds for the Museum for two months; that he wondered, from the City Attorney, whether it is appropriate for the Council with a non action agenda to direct action. Councilmember Kerr stated that was not her motion; direct staff to explore matter. as just to The City Attorney stated that she believes, despite nuances and words, it is everybody's understanding that the budget adoption is scheduled for July 7th; that the meeting is merely a Work Shop; when the Budget is brought back to Council on July 7th, it will not include $38,000 funding, but only two months, for example. Mayor Appezzato inquired whether it was the City Attorney's understanding Council was giving direction. The City Attorney responded in the affirmative, and stated staff will interpret all of Council's statements as non-actions and direction; when staff brings the budget back on the 7th for action, it will include Council's preferences; Council [this evening] is establishing preferences. Councilmember Kerr stated the City Attorney had provided an explanation before Councilmembers made motions; the context was quite clear. Mayor Appezzato inquired whether the Assistant City Manager understood, to which Mr. Wonder responded in the affirmative. Mayor Appezzato stated then Council could vote to provide direction. Councilmember Daysog stated that he would vote in favor of the motion; two months [funding for the Historical Museum] is better than nothing, however, he is concerned; while it appears great to bring all agencies under one roof, issues may develop not only Special Meeting Alameda City Council June 9, 1998 within organizations, but between organizations. Mayor Appezzato reviewed the strategy. On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Councilmember Lucas - 1. (98-326C) Vice Mayor DeWitt moved Council delete funding for the Civic Light Opera. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog stated that he was in favor of the motion because there are several theater-type operations; the Museum is a priority item because of its connection to Alameda; he is advocate of the Museum. On the call for the motion, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Councilmember Lucas - 1. Musical Theater (98-326D) Following comments by Robert Rothrock, Vice Mayor DeWitt stated that he would like to find out what the Musical Theater is all about; that the Theater's location would be a great spot as cultural center; it could also be an area where the Alliance of the Arts might have some activity; it is more than just a Theater, it provides other things for the community; and he will support funding of $5,000. Mayor Appezzato stated that he could not support any of the four [cultural arts] until staff comes back with a comprehensive overview, and he could not support the motion. Councilmember Daysog noted Council did make a firm decision [this evening] regarding one of the organizations, which was more than just giving direction. The City Attorney stated a second vote will be necessary on July 7th in order to implement Council's firm directions. Vice Mayor DeWitt explained that he had separated the Musical Theater from the other organizations because the Theater was not requesting rent subsidies; that the Theater was requesting monies for advertising and scholarships for children. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Kerr stated that she wanted to find Special Meeting Alameda City Council June 9, 1998 out the results of the space search, even though the Musical Theater is not searching for space; if some of the funding can be satisfied by space rather than money, it would influence her vote on the Musical Theater. Councilmember Daysog stated that the way he sees it, this [Musical Theater funding] is a subsidy for children. On the call for the question, the motion vote was as follows: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog and DeWitt - 2. Noes: Councilmember Kerr and Mayor Appezzato - 2. Absent: Councilmember Lucas - 1. No action. Alliance of the Arts (98-326Z) Vice Mayor DeWitt stated the matter should be delayed; the Alliance is requesting monies for rent; a decision should be delayed until additional information is forwarded; that he is in favor of supporting the Alliance in some form; the organizations need to be grouped; there needs to be a civic effort; volunteers, grants and private citizens will be important to programs. Vice Mayor DeWitt moved Council not approve funding of the Alliance of the Arts at this time. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. Absent: Lucas - 1. *** Mayor Appezzato called a recess and reconvened the meeting at 10:12 p.m. * * * Jackson Par] (98-326F) Pete Halberstadt gave reasons why Jackson Park needs capital improvements. Thereafter, a video on Jackson Park was viewed by the City Council. Recreation Chair commented on the Recreation Commission's recommendation. The following speakers spoke in favor of Jackson Park project: Steven Post Christopher Buckley Carmen Centurion Bobbie Centurion Various speakers addressed the City Council, including Chair Special Meeting Alameda City Council June 9, 1998 f N, Wetzork. Councilmember Kerr stated the first two phases of the Jackson Park Capital Improvement Project are included in the balanced budget. In response to Councilmember Daysog's inquiry, Recreation Chair discussed priorities. Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB) (98-326G) The following speakers urged Council to provide funding to the SSHRB: Lois Workman Danielle Bailey Councilmember Daysog encouraged the consideration of matching/grant funds. Vice Mayor DeWitt moved $12,500 be provided at this time; at the mid year budget review, other financing can be ascertained. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Councilmember Kerr stated no other board or commission has an optional budget; this would start a precedent; not every board has a full department behind it. Councilmember Daysog requested Vice Mayor DeWitt to clarify his motion. Vice Mayor DeWitt stated the funding [of $12,500] would be for one year, and the matter [of additional funding] reviewed in the future. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt and Mayor Appezzato - 3. Noes: Councilmember Kerr - 1. Absent: Councilmember Lucas - 1. Paxking Structure (98-326H) Various speakers discussed long-term and short-term parking for Park Street. Holiday Decorations (98-3261) Jerry Sherman stated Park Street is in favor of discarding the holiday snowflake decorations; Park Street supports the attempt to have a unified decoration throughout the town; Park Street has already earmarked some funds and will work with the City Special Meeting Alameda City Council June 9, 1998 on said matter. Mayor Appezzato stated the City Manager can work with the four business associations and the Chamber of Commerce. Capital Improvements for North End of Ninth Street (98-326J) Councilmember Kerr inquired about storm drainage improvements for north end of Ninth Street Senior Civil Engineer Cheri Sheets explained the various approaches included in the budget. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Appezzato adjourned the Special Meeting at 11:24 p.m. The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. NOTE: The Special Meeting of June 9, 1998 was a Work Session. Although the record indicates Council took action, the City Attorney advised it was merely directional and was not official action. Special Meeting Alameda City Council June 9, 1998