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1993-03-10 Special CC MinutesMINUTES OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF THE ALAMEDA CITY COUNCIL MARCH 10. 1993 The meeting convened at 5:35 p.m. with President Withrow presiding. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Appezzato, Arnerich, Lucas, Roth and President Withrow - 5. Absent: None. 93-124 Consideration of, and action on, potential closure of Alameda Naval Air Station. President Withrow explained the background of the matter, noting the Alameda Naval Air Station [NAS] was nominated by the Department of the Navy for closure; efforts being made by representatives in Washington to retain the Base; the necessity of learning what must be done in terms of this City pulling together and focusing on goals meaningful for the City; it is time for the City's citizens to express themselves and their ideas, the Navy Base Committee to identify actions, strategies and plans; and Council to meet in public forum; he and Retired Rear Admiral Paul Peck are members of a task force of Alameda County Economic Development Advisory Board [EDAB] and several weeks ago scheduled a trip to Washington D.C., this coming weekend; noted meetings scheduled with various Senators and Pentagon officials. Councilmember Lucas stated she originated this meeting; this [Base closure] is a serious threat to the community; a Navy Base Committee is in place, working on the issue, and will assist Council; and a unified approach of Council and Committee will help overcome the problems ahead. Councilmember Appezzato stated more important than stressing jobs, is the strategic importance of the Naval Air Station; the cost to improve San Diego, Bremerton [Washington] or bring back Long Beach would far outweigh the advantages of closing NAS; strategic importance must be stressed. Vice Mayor Roth reported on a meeting of representatives of areas affected by base closure, in San Francisco Mayor Jordan's office; a committee is being formed as an umbrella group for Northern California to retain bases; another meeting will be held on March 23, 1993; the proposal is to present a unified front, exchange and share information, and send someone representing all areas to lobby in Washington; the consensus of the group was that an alternative plan would cause the military to conclude that Navy [presence] would not be needed; and they would like everyone to write letters and make telephone calls. Councilman Arnerich agreed with Councilmember Lucas calling the meeting as it shows solidarity of Council; stated Council must reach out to the business community and entire City; support of NAS March 10, 1993 70 and its personnel is needed; letters are needed; stated he sent, among other items, a picture reflecting NAS's capabilities as an Air Station to dock multiple carriers and his list of 10 points, which includes strategic position of NAS, capability of handling multiple Pacific Fleet Carriers, and newly constructed military housing. Jan Henault, Alameda, stated groups in town and at the Base, including employee organization Base Closure Defense Committee, have built strategies and have information; NAS should not be tied in with other bases because a case can be built for NAS which has unique capabilities. President Withrow stated commands are not competitive; the key command in this area is NAS, and the key mission carried out by the Air Station is the capability to homeport nuclear-powered carriers, that is the most important element with respect to retaining Navy presence here; if ships are retained, his position is that NADEP and Naval Supply Center would have a strong position to be retained. Neil Sweeney, Alameda, urged relocating any military activity presently located within Alameda to NAS property, transfer abandoned military properties to the City of Alameda; Treasure Island could relocate to NAS, or elsewhere; on Treasure Island, create a gambling tourist riverboat, and jobs would be created. Chuck Corica, former Mayor, Alameda, Navy Base Committee, stated he will recommend to Committee that letters be written to Congressman Dellums for his efforts to save the base; City shares close relationship with NAS, it is part of family; the base can accommodate three carriers; we have best facilities, best piers, dredging, and a Depot second to none; Art Agnos [former San Francisco Mayor] turned down the U.S.S. Misssouri, and Washington believed San Francisco's attitude reflected the Bay Area's; he has fought alternative plans because he was once told at the Pentagon: to keep your base, never have an alternative plan. Duke Campbell, Alameda, noted he was Commanding Officer for NAS, 1965-67, when 12,500 civilians were employed, and his experience in strategic plans with Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C.; stated closing down a full-scale operating base that can take care of berthing requirements makes no sense; reviewed cost of building base in Everett and housing needed; the wastefulness of spending money in Everett when we have facilities here is a valid point to present in Washington, D.C.; he recommended emphasis on the strategic importance of Alameda. President Withrow stated the New York Times this morning referred to the Navy building a megaport in Everett [Washington] and cannot put a carrier in at this point; nuclear experts indicate in their estimation, San Diego will not be cleared, and cannot pass the environmental review necessary to homeport nuclear-powered carriers. March 10, 1993 71 Jerry Ghiselli, Alameda, stated someone must inspire the people to go out and win; he likes Councilman Arnerich's 10 Point list; NADEP has best painting facility in the country; urged Council help keep it open. Matthew Dlugozimski, Alameda, National Association of Aeronautical Examiners, offered copy of report given to President in 1991 which explains how to keep base open, and that we are a vital strategic place; and stated the Navy is misrepresenting NAS. Douglas deHaan, Alameda, NADEP, Chair, Retention Subcommittee, Navy Base Committee, stated there is a good likelihood things can be put together to make things happen; facts have been provided by knowledgeable people; political side has been reviewed; noted representatives in Washington presenting the matter; requested Council go directly forward; and the Committee will support in every way possible. Francie Farinet, Alameda, stated people do not realize catastrophe that will occur if the base closes; issue needs to be spelled out clearly in terms of e.g., revenue, business, housing; form could be placed in a newspaper for people to fill out and send in, petitions can be circulated; and strategic plan could be made and kept quiet. Councilman Arnerich stated Sacramento Bee and Union [newspapers] carried ads to support their local base; and that is a good point to take under advisement. Vice Mayor Roth stated one concern at San Francisco meeting was fear the Navy might close a base and not do a rapid cleanup. President Withrow stated that matter has been discussed; it is a risk but one on which we have developed enough momentum so that we are not going to let it occur; and addressed benefits of letter writing campaign. Vern Alton, Walnut Creek, Naval Employees Association, stated the Navy has not decided how many carriers or planes it will have and yet is calling for cuts in depots; we need the Navy to, if not support us, at least not oppose us; we have state-of-the-art processing facilities, and are competitive. Larry Wagner, Alameda, stated he works at NADEP; if the base closes, he will lose salary he could spend in Alameda; should take camera to Hunter's Point and show what happens when a base closes down and nothing is done with it; perhaps cards can be distributed for people to fill out and mail in. President Withrow stated using pictures of facilities that have been closed down, and have not recovered, is a good idea; noted a printer in this area donated 5000 cards to the City, addressed to President Clinton, expressing concerns; the cards are to be distributed for mailing by Alameda citizens. March 10, 1993 72 Vic Quintell, Alameda, stated he works at NAS; distributed flyers today with Don Perata to keep the base open; appreciates Council support. President Withrow stated the Navy Base Committee and the task force of EDAB have been working regularly; an extensive paper has been put together which stresses strengths, strategic need and economic impact; a great deal of time and effort. has gone forth. Mr. Quintell stated if NAS is removed from the list, he would still like the effort to continue. Richard Neveln, Oakland, stated he works at NADEP; noted Mare Island's rallies with media coverage; could have a rally at NAS around 4:00 p.m. when people are leaving work, the Mayor could be interviewed by network news media, and senior executives at the base could be present; also, perhaps military bases can be turned into training facilities; should try that [suggestion] in addition to the strategic needs of the Navy. Richard Rudloff, Alameda, spoke on behalf of Ruth Abbe, Base Closure Subcommittee, Navy Base Committee; noted cards that were given to the public for mailing to Congressman Dellums; stated any data Mayor Withrow may be able to bring back from the Base Closure and Realignment Commission [BCRC] would be very helpful. President Withrow gave background of BCRC; stated until four weeks ago, there was no representative from California on the Commission and he is concerned about the lack of balance and understanding of the West Coast. Councilmember Lucas stated Council needs a work schedule on how to proceed; would like ideas and a strategic plan on how to proceed with BCRC, a report from the Mayor immediately after his return, perhaps a special Council meeting for that purpose, and reports and recommendations from the three Subcommittees of the Navy Base Committee; suggested Council request a report in about two weeks and at that time discuss further steps to be taken. Councilman Arnerich stated if we are on the base closure list, perhaps the entire Council should go to Washington, D.C., to show support for retention; and he would like staff to make available to citizens, a list of all leaders, with addresses, that should be contacted e.g., [Congressman] Dellums, [Secretary of Defense] Aspin. President Withrow stated he supports Council going to Washington D.C.; the amount the City has at risk far overshadows the cost, and the entire Council going would have an impact well worth the investment. Vice Mayor Roth suggested a Council resolution on retaining the base, for forwarding to the President and Secretary of Defense; suggested Special Meeting on March 17, 1993 for Mayor's and Navy March 10, 1993 3 Base Committee's reports; and noted the BCRC will be visiting if NAS is on the [closure] list and at that time the City should rally, and make our points; and stated there are 3 months until July 15th when the Commission's [list] passes to the President. Councilmember Appezzato stated the strategic importance of NAS must be stressed; all else is secondary; there should be no discussion of alternate plans; it makes no sense to close this quality facility with some of the best employees in the Navy to build new ones in other states; the show of unity tonight will send to Washington this vital message; and that Council's united support will be with President Withrow on his trip to Washington, D.C. President Withrow stated he is optimistic because he believes in the final analysis, the decision makers will do what is in the best interest of the country; and that he and the City Manager need to leave the meeting to attend the Alameda County Conference of Mayors to attempt to procure a resolution. President Withrow requested the Base Committee consider citizens' cards be sent to Washington as one package; sponsoring a petition process that would reflect the magnitude of interest in retaining a Navy Base; sponsoring a rally outside NAS gates when appropriate; and conducting forums throughout the City. Councilmember Lucas agreed with the suggestions and would like the Subcommittees to report to Council. Councilmember Appezzato stated that, at the same time, a report could be made by the Mayor on the results of his trip. Vice Mayor Roth questioned when Council would meet again on this issue. President Withrow noted his appointments with Congressman Dellums and the Vice Chief of Naval Operations on Tuesday, March 16, 1993. Councilmember Appezzato suggested a Special Council Meeting be called when he returns from Washington, D.C. ADJOURNMENT President Withrow adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ae Diane B. Felsch, CMC City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in advance in accordance with the Brown Act. March 10, 1993