1993-08-31 Special CC MinutesMINUTES OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF ALAMEDA CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 31, 1993
The meeting was convened at 7:30 p.m., with President Withrow
presiding. Councilman Arnerich led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL -
93-516
Withrow)
Present: Councilmembers Appezzato, Arnerich,
Lucas, Roth and President Withrow - 5.
Absent: None.
Status Briefing on Base Conversion Process. (Mayor
Don Parker, Project Manager, stated he received word this week
concerning potential funding dealing with the conversion process at
the Naval Air Base; a meeting has been set for Thursday with Carl
Anthony, Chair of the East Bay Conversion and Reinvestment
Commission; and on Friday, a meeting will be held with the Senior
Project Manager of the Office of Economic Adjustment.
In response to Councilman Arnerich, the Project Manager provided
certain details on the aforementioned meetings.
Vice Mayor Roth reported on an East Bay Conversion and Reinvestment
Commission meeting he attended on behalf of Mayor Withrow; and
stated he would provide the Project Manager with information he
received at the sessions.
Councilmember Appezzato reported on the EBCRC meeting also; and
stated he believes Council should send a letter to Congressman
Dellums inviting him to speak at a Council Meeting.
Councilman Arnerich requested that Council receive copies of the
information provided to Mr. Parker by Vice Mayor Roth.
Councilmember Lucas supported Councilmember Appezzato's suggestion
to invite Congressman Dellums.
Neil Patrick Sweeney, Alameda, stated Mark Chandler, is working
with EBCRC and will create a newsletter to provide information and
schedules; and noted meeting dates and times of various groups
related to base conversion.
Hadi Monsef, Alameda, President, Alameda County Navy League, stated
the League has about 260 members who have a great deal of expertise
and background and can be utilized throughout the conversion
process; too many individuals are involved and Alameda groups
should be utilized.
A discussion ensued concerning local groups participating in the
base conversion project.
August 31, 1993
334
93-517 Mayor Withrow presented Dr. Alfredo D. Santa Maria, Sr.,
M.D., City Councilor, Dagupan City, Philippines, with a Certificate
from the City of Alameda bestowing upon him the title of "Honorary
Citizen". He thanked Nick Santos, United Pilipinos of Alameda, for
bringing Dr. Santa Maria to Council's attention; and invited other
organizations to identify any visitors who represent local or
regional government in foreign countries so that they also may be
recognized.
93-518 Appointment of Base Reuse Advisory Group [BRAG] Chair.
(Continued from Council Meeting of August 24, 1993)
Mayor Withrow placed in nomination the name of Lee Perez; stated he
believes members of the Council have received copies of the
Evidence of Candidacy; and noted Mr. Perez's accomplishments.
Vice Mayor Roth seconded the motion.
Mayor Withrow called for the question.
Councilman Arnerich and Councilmember Lucas stated that they wished
to discuss the nomination.
Mayor Withrow withdrew his call for the question, and invited
Councilman Arnerich to comment.
Councilman Arnerich stated he has no fault with Mr. Perez; however,
he would like an opportunity to review the application and has a
problem with the process.
Councilmember Lucas stated it is urgent that Council move forward;
she was hoping that her nominee would be appointed; however, she
will support the Mayor's nomination.
Councilman Arnerich stated he believes the procedure is not
correct, therefore will be voting no for Mr. Perez.
Mayor Withrow called for the question; the motion carried by the
following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Lucas, Roth and
President Withrow - 3. Nayes: Councilmembers Appezzato and
Arnerich - 2. Absent: None.
Councilmember Appezzato stated in order to give Mr. Perez his full
support, he will change his vote and make the vote 4 to 1.
President Withrow stated the vote should be revised to reflect 4 to
1.
The vote on the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes:
Councilmembers Appezzato, Lucas, Roth and President Withrow - 4.
Nayes: Councilman Arnerich - 1. Absent: None.
Councilmember Lucas stated she believes among the subcommittee
chairs there is a lack of expertise in the finance area, and
August 31, 1993
335
believes her nominee Olga D'Amante would make an excellent Vice
Chair, if Council agrees to have a Vice Chair.
Councilmember Lucas requested the matter be placed on the next
Council Meeting Agenda.
Vice Mayor Roth made a motion that Council discuss the matter this
evening. Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Appezzato stated he would prefer
the matter be agendized for the next Council Meeting, and acquire
input from Mr. Perez and perhaps other Committee members concerning
a Vice Chair.
Vice Mayor Roth explained he was proposing Council discuss whether
they want a Vice Chair and look at selection process.
The Acting City Attorney noted Council will need four votes to
carry Vice Mayor Roth's motion.
Councilman Arnerich sta'..ed he did not come prepared to discuss a
Vice Chair and he would like a week to think it over.
On call for the question, the motion failed by the following voice
vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Lucas, Roth and President Withrow - 3.
Nayes: Councilmembers Appezzato and Arnerich - 2. Absent: None.
Councilmember Lucas requested the matter be placed on the Agenda
for the next Council Meeting.
93-519 Hearing to consider acceptance of the Area Wide Strategy
Report, and Report from Chair, Economic Development Commission
regarding Updated Analysis of Fiscal Impacts of, and Property Tax
Revenue Generated by, Water-Oriented Housing, Alameda Area-Wide
Strategy.
President Withrow explained how the matter would be addressed by
staff and consultants.
* * *
President Withrow called a recess and reconvened the meeting at
8:20 p.m.
* * *
The Planning Director b/iefly oriented the Council and public to
the Study, and introduced the Consultants.
Bonnie Fisher, ROMA Design Group, discussed background of the
overall evolution of the area wide strategy, and the impacts and
implications of the closure of the Naval facility. Ms. Fisher also
gave a slide presentation.
Tim Kelley, Keyser-Marston, reviewed market findings that guided
ROMA Design Group, and discussed impacts as they relate to Alameda
August 31, 1993
as an older residential community.
Gerhard Degemann, Alameda, expressed concern regarding traffic
impacts due to expansion, and the recent announcement by the Mayor
of Oakland concerning a K-Mart Store going in at the foot of High
Street [in Oakland].
Diane Coler-Dark, Alameda, stated the main focus now is to proceed
with revitalization of business districts, particularly with the
development of the Navy Base.
Nina Sabrack, Alameda, requested Council give high priority to more
recreational facilities, especially twenty-four hour ones.
Helen Sause, Economic Development Commission, stated both private
and public considerations will be brought before the City Council;
the conceptual strategy will be an important framework for next
steps; and we must be careful not to damage existing uses on the
island in desire to reuse Naval Air Station. Ms. Sause also
discussed important housing considerations.
Neil Patrick Sweeney, Alameda, suggested all Naval activities in
the City should be relocated to the Naval Air Station.
Clayton Guyton, Alameda, expressed concern regarding displacement
of low-income families in the area of the Navy Base, and stated he
believes a large group of people will be left out of the economic
advantages.
Reverend Yoshii, Alameda, questioned whether Alameda's ethnic
diversity has been looked at in terms of revitalization.
Bonnie Fisher, Consultant, responded cultural diversity was focused
on in the Study and from the beginning of the process.
Tim Kelley, Consultant, stated ethnic diversity can add vitality to
commercial areas; and in response to Mr. Guyton's concern, noted
20% redevelopment monies for affordable housing can be used for
second trust deeds, home improvement loans, etc.
In response to President Withrow, the Planning Director noted that
although the document does not specifically address the ethnic
diversity of the community, the retail strategy and office
development provides a range of jobs. The Planning Director added
that it is certainly appropriate to maintain options for all income
groups and all ethnic groups within the community, and be a part of
the framework that is given back to the Planning Board and Economic
Development Commission.
Vice Mayor Roth stated he believes information on housing is
incomplete, and a more detailed investigation is necessary to
identify economic impacts.
President Withrow stated the City gets 29% of all property taxes
August 31, 1993
7
collected; of the $2,400. [for a $300,000 house], the City retains
about $720.00, which profiles out to about $900.; and he questioned
whether that balances with the costs that the City is called upon
to provide in neighborhood services, and how it compares with what
the League of California Cities has stated for neighborhood
services throughout the State of California.
Vice Mayor Roth questioned how certain characteristics are
determined vital for particular areas, e.g., the Civic Center and
Park Street.
Consultant Bonnie Fisher responded the Civic Center area is a focus
of the larger community, the center of the City, and serves a much
broader role than an employment center.
Councilmember Lucas stated there is a historic feeling in the
community that the Civic Center and Park Street work well together,
and noted the City is not capturing the people who use South Shore
Beach.
Councilmember Lucas inquired why the Study did not reflect the City
as a tourist community.
Mr. Kelley responded he sees Alameda more as a residential
community, although there are exceptions like restaurants that can
be tourist.
In response to President Withrow's inquiry regarding how business
districts can become more vital, Mr. Kelly stated parking and
promotions are important for retail businesses; the districts are
finding their positions in the current markt; there is more space
than demand; and there is no formula answer for the older streets.
Councilman Arnerich stated all communities have the same problems,
and issues addressed this evening will be looked at in more detail
in the future.
Councilmember Appezzato stated he plans to support the area wide
strategy; entire package will be revisited as Council begins to
look at specific plans; supports the Civic Center concept, and
would like to see the Carnegie Library developed along those lines
when funds are available.
Councilmember Appezzato inquired how the area wide strategy plan
complements the present task of base conve7-3ion and reuse.
Bonnie Fisher responded the Study looks at transitioning retail,
industrial and military lands.
In response to an inquiry from President Withrow, Ms. Fisher stated
Retail Action Plans and the Northern Waterfront Plan will focus on
an acre-by-acre, parcel-by-parcel basis.
Councilmember Lucas inquired whether it would be good to change
August 31, 1993
zoning designations to allow more professional-office space on Park
and Webster Streets.
Ms. Fisher stated that it was envisioned to bring in new uses into
those areas.
The Planning Director noted when looking at a tenant mix and
strengthening a shopping street, it is necessary to create a
shopping-street identity and to judiciously look at how much office
space is allowed.
Mr. Kelley stated the matter should be addressed on a case-to-case
basis; it is important to have continuity in retail; and Alameda
has good residential areas, and neighborhoods and shopping areas
should work collectively.
Bonnie Fisher noted people are looking today for a street which
provides an activity focus: a place to meet and socialize, and to
take advantage of the every day functions at the same time.
Councilmember Lucas expressed concern regarding public spaces,
e.g., parks, in Civic Centers becoming centers of crime at night.
Bonnie Fisher responded if there is a mix and diversity in number
of people at night, as well as in the day, those kinds of problems
are mitigated.
Councilmember Appezzato moved to accept the area wide strategy
report and process recommended by the Planning Board and Economic
Development Commi-sion for selecting specific actions.
Councilman Arnerich seconded the motion with the proviso that the
input and concerns of public speakers and Council be accepted also.
The motion carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
93-520 Report from Finance Director recommending Opposition to
SB1234 (Bergeson, Isenberg) Local Government Finance.
Councilman Arnerich moved staff recommendation; Councilmember
Lucas seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Appezzato stated the Bill may be a
great way to get clected people to the table and force the issue.
Following a brief discussion on SB1234, the motion carried by the
following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arnerich, Lucas, Roth
and President Withrow - 4. Nayes: Councilmember Appezzato - 1.
Absent: None.
93-521 Resolution No 12446 "Designating Labor Day, September 6,
1993, as "Try American Day."
President Withrow read the resolution.
August 31, 1993
Councilman Arnerich moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Lucas seconded the motion which carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
NEW BUSINESS
93-522 Don Grant, Alameda, stated he wanted to comment on the
qualification of Mr. DeWitt, and recommended Council reconsider the
BRAG Chair appointment [paragraph 93-518].
President Withrow apologized for overlooking Mr. Grant's speaker
slip [submitted earlier, paragraph 93-518]; noted three persons
submitted speaker slips [under New Business] on the BRAG Chair
matter, which was already addressed by Council; however, he will
allow them to speak.
Clayton Guyton, Alameda, stated Mr. DeWitt is well-qualified, and
he would appreciate Council reconsidering the appointment.
Vicki Smith, Alameda, inquired if it is legal for Council to vote
on an agenda item without hearing speakers.
The Acting City Attorney responded hearing public speakers before
Council action is best.
Vice Mayor Roth noted Council sets policy; and commented some
[Councils] only allow people to speak before or after a meeting.
Councilman Arnerich inquired if Council has the right to exclude
speakers on an agenda item; and the City Attorney replied the
general rule, in the ordinance, is that public testimony precedes
Council action but the Council can, by motion, change that rule.
Lawrence VanHook, Alameda, stated he supports Al DeWitt for the
position; and inquired if there is a way Council can re-vote.
President Withrow responded only if the Councilmembers who voted
for the appointment of Mr. Perez request reconsideration of the
matter.
The Assistant City Attorney stated the Alameda Municipal Code
provides for a motion to reconsider.
Vice Mayor Roth stated it is not true that Al DeWitt was not
considered; he was considered last Tuesday night [Special Council
Meeting, August 24, 1993].
Mr. VanHook stated Mr. DeWitt is qualified and perhaps he could be
recommended as a co-chair.
Councilman Arnerich stated he was going to nominate and re-
introduce Mr. DeWitt tonight, but he was unable to.
Roy Mita, Alameda, discussed rules of order.
August 31, 1993
Councilmember Lucas thanked Mr. Grant for remaining at the Council
Meeting to express his views; however, Council knew Mr. DeWitt and
Mr. Perez were candidates, and the votes were not present to
nominate him.
ADJOURNMENT
President Withrow adjourned the meeting at 11:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANE B. FELSCH, C C
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted 72 hours in advance in
accordance with the Brown Act.
August 31, 1993