1995-02-06 Special CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ALAMEDA CITY COUNCIL.
FEBRUARY 6, 1995
(Held concurrently with a meeting of he Alameda Unified School
District)
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Appezzato at 4:37 p.m., in
the Faculty Room of the Historical Alameda High School located at
2200 Central Avenue.
Roll Call
City Council
Present: Mayor Ralph Appezzato, Vice Mayor Mannix and
Councilmember Al DeWitt - 3.
Absent: Councilmembers Arnerich and Lucas - 2.
Alameda Unified School District
Present: Superintendent of Schools Dennis Chaconas, School Board
President Gail Greely and School Board Vice President Barbara
Rasmussen - 3.
City Staff in attendance: William Norton, City Manager and Diane
Felsch, City Clerk.
Agenda
Items from previous meetings
94-056 Child Care
Superintendent Chaconas stated that the District Child Care
Advisory Committee believes the Child Care Survey Results, May
1994, are fairly accurate. The District has additional children
needing child care for 1994-95, approximately one thousand, and
that number will continue to grow.
President Greely stated that the District has no more licensable
space. Past discussions have taken place on using more space at
existing Parks and Recreation facilities, expanding the RAP Program
to lower grades, and looking for space at Crab Cove.
The City Manager reported that there is no available space at the
Cove, and the use of a van is being explored to transport children
to facilities.
President Greely stated expanded programs should be announced in
Special Meeting, Alameda City Council
Joint Meeting with Alameda Unified School District
February 6, 1995
the Spring.
In response to Mayor Appezzato, President Greely discussed the use
of the Alameda Girls Club for programs; Recreation providing a
single sign up for two programs; and early morning supervision at
elementary schools.
Superintendent Chaconas stated he will explore the feasibility of
early morning supervision at the schools.
Vice President Rasmussen stated that she was concerned about safety
at unsupervised playgrounds.
President Greely stated vans and centralized programs have the
potential to solve a number of problems.
The City Manager noted that the City Council authorized the City to
enter into a State Surplus Program to acquire van(s).
Councilmember DeWitt stated that economical methods must be
pursued, whenever possible.
Vice President Rasmussen stated liability issues are equally as
important.
In response to Vice Mayor Mannix's inquiry, the City Manager and
School District representatives explained the necessity for public
agencies to provide child care.
94-057 Crime Prevention Funds
Mayor Appezzato announced that he will be attending a three-hour
meeting with Mayors on Friday to discuss the East Bay Corridor
Project. He also reviewed major points discussed at a recent Mayors
Conference regarding Crime Prevention Funds.
President Greely stated if funds become available, the School
District would like to have an opportunity to make a pitch for
cost-effective programs using existing facilities and keeping
the library open.
94-058 After School Programs
President Greeley stressed the importance of keeping media centers
open for afternoon tutorials and homework sessions.
The City Manager identified the following needs: a team coordinator
for programs, van(s), and part-time recreation leaders.
Vice President Rasmussen suggested that high school students serve
as tutors as part of their community service requirement.
Special Meeting, Alameda City Council
Joint Meeting with Alameda Unified School District
February 6, 1955
Mayor Appezzato suggested exploring a program whereby each of the
high school classes adopt a secondary- or middle school to earn
community service.
President Greely stated the School District could consider
encouraging mentor teacher applications for after school programs.
Vice Mayor Mannix expressed support for the tutorial programs.
Vice President Rasmussen suggested approaching South Shore for
support.
Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, proposed that the City and School
District approach soccer organizations for help.
94-059 Base Closure
Superintendent Chaconas stated that the District has seen a
significant drop in enrollment in military schools; an
understanding with the Navy was that they were going to back fill
as sailors were transferred out; current information shows high
vacancy rate in housing; and inquired whether there has been a
change in direction. Chaconas further stated that the Board of
Education is in the process of approving a budget for next year; it
shows enrollment will drop by 300 children; and if there is not any
back filling, the District will need to re-evaluate budget.
Mayor Appezzato responded that he is not aware of any changes in
staffing at the Base, and he will speak to the Commanding Officer
about the matter.
President Greely stated that the numbers are needed by March.
New Items
94-060 Relocation of City Offices/Council Meetings
The City Manager stated that the Council Meeting Agenda for
February 7th includes administration of the project, and explained
terms of responsibility.
The Superintendent noted that the Board of Education will be
addressing the matter at their next Meeting.
94-061 Joint Venture to put cable access in Little Theatre
Vice Mayor Mannix suggested that the City Manager and
Superintendent work with TCI Cable Company on splitting cost of
installing cable in the Alameda Little Theater three ways.
The City Manager stated construction costs would be approximately
Special Meeting, Alameda City Council
Joint Meeting with Alameda Unified School District
February 6, 1995
$40,000. and annual operating costs $25,000.
In response to Vice President Rasmussen, the City Manager explained
the spatial impact of cable equipment on the Little Theatre.
Mayor Appezzato urged that the issue be addressed quickly.
Mr. Degemann, Alameda, stated a tremendous number of people watch
cable television in Alameda, and he strongly supports broadcasting
School Board meetings.
President Greely requested the matter be placed on the School Board
Agenda for discussion.
Mr. Degemann, Alameda, stated that the public address system needs
to be improved.
Mayor Appezzato and Councilmember DeWitt commented that more
lighting in the Theatre would be helpful.
94-062 Workshop on Base Closure
President Greeley announced that the School Board will hold a
workshop on base closure issues on February 25, 1995.
Mayor Appezzato suggested that the Navy be invited to attend and
address issues discussed under Base Closure.
94-063 Future Joint City Council/School District Meetincrs
Future meetings will be held on the first Monday of every month.
Adiournment
There being no further business for consideration, Mayor Appezzato
adjourned the meeting at 5:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Av -
Diane B. Felsch, CMC
City Clerk
The Agenda for this meeting was posted pursuant to Brown Act
requirements.
Special Meeting, Alameda City Council
Joint Meeting with Alameda Unified School District
February 6, 1995