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1993-01-19 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ALAMEDA CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 19. 1993 The meeting convened at 7:34 p.m. (following the Community Improvement Commission Meeting), with President Withrow presiding. Councilmember Lucas led the Pledge of Allegiance. Reverend Robert Keller gave the invocation. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Appezzato, Arnerich, Lucas, Roth and President Withrow - 5. Absent: None. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS Mayor Withrow announced Council convened in Closed Session prior to the Regular Meeting to consider: 93-028 Labor Relations, pursuant to Subsection (a) of Government Code Section 54957.6 of the Brown Act: Mayor Withrow stated no action was taken. PROCLAMATIONS AND SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY 93-029 Presentation of Certificate of Appointment to Harry W. Reppert as Member of the Finance Committee. Mayor Withrow presented Certificate of Appointment to Mr. Reppert. CONSENT CALENDAR At the request of Councilman Arnerich, the report concerning City Pool Cars, 93-035, and at the request of a citizen, the report concerning Tract 4024 (Costa Brava, Harbor Bay Isle) 93-036, were removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember Lucas moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar. Vice Mayor Roth seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk. *93-030 Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on January 5, 1993, and Special Council Meeting of January 5, 1993. Approved. *93-031 Report from the Public Works Director and Police Chief recommending acceptance of the work by J.W & Sons Construction, Inc. for the Building Reconstruction, Alameda Police Administration Building, No. P.W. 08-89-14, and to Appropriate Additional Funds for the Project from a Loan from the General Fund, and to Provide Corrective Work on the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System. Accepted. *93-032 Report from the Finance Director transmitting Investment January 19, 1993 4 Report for period ending December 31, 1992. Accepted. *93-033 Resolution No. 12363 "Ratifying Public Utilities Board Approval of the Transmission Agency of Northern California South of Tesla Agreement." Adopted. *93-034 Bills, certified by the City Manager to be true and correct, were ratified in the sum of $984,910.94. 93-035 Report from the Public Works Director on Cost for Purchasing and Maintaining City Pool Cars. (Councilman Arnerich) Councilman Arnerich stated he believes it may be beneficial for the City to not purchase new vehicles in the future in order to save money; he would like matter brought up again in about a year to determine how many automobiles will go in [for] repair or will be phased out; and what cost would be to reimburse City employees at 30 cents per mile for using their own cars; and moved acceptance of the report. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 93-036 Report from the Public Works Director recommending acceptance of the Landscaping Improvements within Tract 4024 (Costa Brava, Harbor Bay Isle) and Release of Associated Bond. Mr. Degemann, Alameda, submitted photographs for Council's review; he stated landscaping is not properly done; mud is sliding down onto the pathway; and concerned once improvements are accepted, Homeowners will pay for repair work. The Public Works Director explained the area discussed by Mr. Degemann has been accepted for maintenance by the Community of Harbor Bay Homeowners' Association; the bond before Council is very specific and has nothing to do with that particular area. Councilmember Lucas moved approval of the staff report. Vice Mayor Roth seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. REGULAR AGENDA 93-037 Resolution No. 12364 "Appointing David A. Mercado as Member of the City Housing Commission." Adopted. Councilman Arnerich moved the appointment. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Mercado and presented him with Certificate of Appointment. 93-038 Report from Public Works Director regarding the High/Fernside/Gibbons Intersection Traffic Study. January 19, 1993 Tom Billings, Alameda, stated the High Street Bridge one-way outbound alternative may have merit and should be given consideration. David Plummer, Alameda, stated signage is not going to be the answer to traffic problem; if the High Street Bridge is made one- way out, it will encourage people to use Hegenberger; Cross Airport Roadway is important for development of Harbor Bay; the only mitigating factor in report is the one-way outbound bridge and that, unfortunately, has not had enough study. Clarice Minot, Alameda, stated concerned citizens are organizing to protest UCSF project as it will bring heavy traffic; suggested the City take a long hard look at traffic problem solutions; she endorses proposal for one-way traffic on High Street, as do many other citizens. In response to President Withrow, the City Manager stated during the next two years, UCSF has looked at leasing a 39,000 square foot-existing laboratory, and construction of 150,000 square feet; if all of the buildout is in one place, it will generate about 6,000 to 7,000 employees; the thinking is for UCSF to get a start in the Business Park and to expand toward the Port of Oakland, cities of San Leandro, Oakland and other cities, and not necessarily all in one place; however, if it were, it would generate between 6,000 and 7,000 employees, of which some would take the ferry, live in Harbor Bay, and others may car pool. President Withrow noted the highest figure he has seen is 7,000 and includes all of the related businesses that are fed off of technologies anticipated to be generated by UCSF. The City Manager responded, from his recollection, all employees would be from UCSF; however, not all in Alameda, perhaps two-thirds or less. President Withrow further explained they are not looking at a 20,000 vehicle per day figure; they are looking at a top out at about 5,000 from this particular project in 8 to 10 years; as stated [by the City Manager], the Business Park was permitted for buildout a number of years ago and is inherent in the property; they [Harbor Bay] can, in fact, build it out and may well reach 20,000 at that time; noted a Cross Airport highway has been approved by the voters, a 66th Avenue overpass is currently in the program for Alameda County, and direct access from the Nimitz [Interstate 880] to the Business Park will be available. Robert Lombardo, Alameda, stated making the bridge one-way would cause an inordinate amount of problems for the rest of Alameda. Deborah Eggers, Alameda, suggested Council wait until approved access roads are ready and open, before limiting how people enter and exit Alameda; the City does not have enough access currently. January 19, 1993 6 David Maxcy, Alameda, stated people on Gibbons Drive need to be a little more concerned about their neighbors in Alameda. Jim P. Royer, Alameda, recommended Council further study the matter; the City should work harder on Cross Airport Roadway, and improving access to Alameda. Amey Stone, Alameda, complimented Council for addressing traffic concerns; stated she does not know if making the High Street Bridge one-way is the best thing to do but it is worthy of study, High Street is 36 feet wide and by today's standards, could not have public transit on the footage; any additional traffic on East End streets is going to truly stretch the definition of residential quality of life; and a Cross Airport Roadway may serve well but is not a connection for the east end of the island. Harvey Fox, Alameda, stated he opposes [one-way bridge] proposal as it favors a small segment of town, puts strain on businesses, and creates bottleneck; [Council] should wait until Cross Airport Roadway is complete, and then place proposal before the voters. Eraido Gaiego, Alameda, stated making High Street Bridge one-way would bring more traffic to Park Street which he does not want. Lawrence VanHook, Alameda, expressed concern that Alamedans have opportunity to qualify for new jobs; commented he has received comments and questions if the one-way street proposal is a racial issue. President Withrow questioned how making a bridge one-way could, under any sense of logic, be considered racist. Councilmember Appezzato agreed he does not believe the issue is racist; and whether or not it is a good idea will be studied. Larry Williams, Alameda, stated persons coming in over Miller- Sweeney Bridge instead of High Street Bridge would still be driving down Fernside to Harbor Bay Isle; believes the action would favor one segment of the population. President Withrow stated Council is not present to take action but to decide if Council wants further study and hearings. Celeste Fendell, Oakland, stated she crosses High Street Bridge to enter Alameda; and thinks Miller-Sweeney Bridge is underutilized because Fruitvale in Oakland is a crowded street. Councilmember Lucas informed the speaker that, just before the High Street Bridge, from the corner of Oakport and High Street, there is an access to the Miller-Sweeney Bridge. Naomi Hatkin, Alameda, agreed with persons who believe making High Street one-way will only distribute problems throughout Alameda; and if the entire area [County and surrounding cities] believes it January 19, 1993 will benefit by the Business Park, it should also participate in providing access to the Business Park. William Taylor, Alameda, stated traffic problem is two-fold: congestion and police enforcement of speed limit; the congestion will not go away unless the City takes a firm grip on any expansion, or high-density-type activity; van pools should be used, traffic flow patterns looked at; if Council will show they will be effective, citizens will back Council. Lisa Dell'Osso, Alameda, requested Council provide solutions to traffic problems. Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, stated Council must look at the broad issue and take action; solutions must be found before Harbor Bay is built out and traffic increases. Bill Kane, Alameda, suggested, if High Street is made one way, make three lanes of Miller-Sweeney coming in to Alameda and one going out; does not think the Cross Airport Roadway will help. Neil Patrick Sweeney, Alameda, requested the High Street Bridge be kept as it is, and Council vote to hold forums. William Garvine, Alameda, stated the Chamber of Commerce is underway with a transportation management agency that is bringing the business community together to design and implement transportation management programs, e.g., van pools; and noted some business associations are addressing signage so some of more complicated routes into Alameda might be more effectively used. President Withrow stressed the recommendation is to review the issue, hold forums and hearings; requested Council consider holding hearings to assess traffic issues throughout the City, but prior to that, he would like to have more basic, structural, analytical data for Council to assess and provide to the public. Councilmember Lucas stated senior citizens do not want High Street made into a one-way because of safety reasons; believes people who live east of High Street should be able to return on High; need to, however, solve the problems for residents on High, Fernside and Gibbons; hopes, following hearings, the use of Miller-Sweeney bridge will increase, and Council is committed to improving access to public transportation. * * * * Council recessed and reconvened to continue discussion on Traffic Study. * * * * Councilmember Appezzato requested previous traffic studies be made available to the Council; stated any one of the five alternatives [in staff report dated 1/7/93] will not solve overall problems; City needs to pursue the completion of the Cross Airport Roadway; another alternative may be to look at the continuation and widening of Doolittle Drive to Swan Way to the Oakport frontage road to 66th January 19, 1993 ib Avenue and make it an expressway; cost will be high but relatively inexpensive compared to new bridge or tunnel; BCDC, the City and Port of Oakland, need to be approached now about that alternative and in relation to other alternatives such as expanding ferry operations. Councilman Arnerich stated this is .a community-wide issue, not just a High Street/Gibbons/Fernside matter; restrictions can be placed on the Business Park concerning car usage by, for example, flex- time work schedules, car pooling; the Cross Airport Roadway plan must be implemented; and Council must pursue funding from our legislators for the 66th Avenue Crossing; and Councilmember Appezzato's suggestion regarding Doolittle Drive needs to be pursued. Vice Mayor Roth stated he does not know if hearings should be held yet because more information is needed; concerned about traffic counts: on the High Street Bridge 40% more cars come into Alameda than go out; and it appears vehicles go out on Park Street Bridge. President Withrow agreed and stated more needs to be known of [traffic pattern] behavior of people driving to and from Alameda; and in, and around, the island. Councilman Arnerich stated he wants traffic laws enforced immediately, and citizens cited for speeding. Vice Mayor Roth stated that he would like the matter of a stop sign at Fifth and Central placed on agenda; that he is not willing to support a study, expend monies for a consultant, nor hold hearings, until more information is provided. Councilmember Appezzato stated he concurred with Councilmember Roth's opinion on not expending monies; he would like the City of Oakland's [Mayor and Council] opinion on a one-way High Street bridge, and a commitment from the Alameda Board of Supervisors. Mayor Withrow stated it is a City issue at this point, and all traffic patterns need to be considered. Councilmember Appezzato responded that he would like to include the City andCounty of Oakland because their approval is required. Amey Stone, Alameda, stated it is her understanding that there is a fund that is funded by the developer and specific use is for traffic studies. Vice Mayor Roth moved Council accept the report as is recommended, instruct staff to collect more data, and when staff is prepared to bring it back, Council can set hearing dates. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilman Arnerich stated he will vote for the January 19, 1993 il motion if the study includes the entire City, to which the Mayor stated all of Council desires a City-wide study. Councilmember Appezzato stated he would like staff to report back on the feasibility of what the cost would be and whether funds are available from the Traffic Improvement Fund. Vice Mayor Roth and Councilmember Lucas agreed to the [Appezzato] amendment. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. 93-039 Resolution No. 12365 "Approving Memorandum of Understanding Between the Alameda Police Officers Association [APOA] and the City of Alameda for the Years January 1, 1993 through December 31, 1994." Adopted. Mark O'Connell, Chairman, APOA Wage Negotiation Committee, noted the good professional relationship between the City and the Association; expressed appreciation for Council's support through the years; and believes proposal is responsible and reasonable. Al Cofer, President, APOA, stated the Association understands and accepts responsibility to share the budget problem and agrees with Council to no financial improvement this year. Vice Mayor Roth stated he would not support the Resolution because he would like all bargaining unit contracts to coincide, or expire, with two-year budgets; and noted the Association proposal was very reasonable. Councilmember Lucas stated she wants to give full support and maintain the quality of the City's excellent Police Department; to remain competitive, attract good officers and keep Alameda's crime low, Council needs to pay wages at least in Bay area mid-range, therefore she will support the recommendation. Councilman Arnerich noted City expense when officers leave after receiving required training costing $50,000-$60,000 each; Council is not living up to its responsibility if it does not pay officers who protect them; the Association proposal is not for a Consumer Price Index [adjustment] for 1993, and no more than 4% adjustment in 1994; and he will vote for proposal. Councilmember Appezzato stated he would like to leave the negotiations for 1994 pay increase open, until economic conditions affecting our City are known at that time; he will therefore vote against the MOU at this time. President Withrow stated public safety is No. 1 issue; quality of life in Alameda, to a great extent, is due to professional Police Department handling of public safety; the contract is fair, and is not a pay raise; and he will support the proposal. Councilmember Lucas moved adoption of Resolution. Councilman Arnerich seconded the motion which carried by the following voice January 19, 1993 20 vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arnerich, Lucas and President Withrow - 3. Noes: Councilmembers Appezzato and Roth - 2. Absent: None. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS. NON-AGENDA 93-040 Robert Bisi, Coalition of Alamedans for Racial Equality (CARE), recommended City hold hearings to take testimony of citizens' needs and wants in terms of hiring a Police Chief; Council look at job description taking into consideration input from hearings and recommendations contained in Mayor's Committee on Cultural Diversity [report]; requested a copy of the job description, when available; and stated he hoped Council would take action at the February 2nd or 16th Council Meeting. 93-041 Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, recommended Speakers Slips be revised to include a check box for speakers who wish to express a concern, and are not speaking for, or against, an Agenda Item; and suggested, in regards to staff report on traffic study, a traffic pattern questionnaire, accompanied with a stamped self-addressed envelope, be included in Bureau of Electricity bills. NEW BUSINESS AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS 93-042 Councilmember Lucas stated she received complaints that Holiday trees sit out on the street too long. The City Manager stated Oakland Scavenger picks up trees that are not more than 6 feet in length and Boy Scouts Troop 11 picks up for a $3.00 charge. Councilmember Lucas and Vice Mayor Roth stated trees have been placed at curbside on Santa Clara Avenue and at the corner of Fifth Street and Central Avenue. The City Manager suggested Councilmembers provide street addresses to staff. 93-043 Councilmember Lucas stated the Fire Chief should be aware how nuclear waste from the Naval Air Station is transported through the City, in the event a toxic problem occurs; and Chief should work with Naval Air Station on the matter. 93-044 Councilmember Lucas stated she would like to know whether Alameda should consider an anti-blight ordinance similar to the Berkeley Ordinance. The City Manager stated staff is working on the matter, and Council will be advised on the status. 93-045 Councilman Arnerich stated Maitland Drive, in the vicinity of Harbor Bay Parkway, and Tilden Way, have tremendous pot holes which require attention, until such time a first-class job can be achieved. January 19, 1993 21 ADJOURNMENT President Withrow adjourned the meeting at 10:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, x 7 /Jr C14 Dirie B. Felsch, CMC City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted 72 hours in advance. January 19, 1993