1992-11-13 Special CC MinutesSPECIAL MEETING OF THE ALAMEDA CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 13. 1992
The Special Meeting convened at 7:04 p.m. with President Withrow
presiding. Vice Mayor Lucas led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL -
Present: Councilmembers Arnerich, Camicia, Lucas,
Roth and President Withrow - 5.
Absent: None.
Mayor Withrow commented the budget must be balanced; Council has
two basic options: either cut, or increase taxes; discussed lack of
ambulance service on Bay Farm Island (BFI) and proposed remedy,
firefighter union activity he considers inappropriate, and a
distribution of flyers which he finds repugnant; and stated he
would like, following the evening hearing, the City Manager to
investigate and provide report to Council on what led up to lack of
BFI ambulance service, and what actions will be taken to ensure an
ambulance on BFI.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
92-777 Report from the Finance Director regarding Quarterly
Financial Report, Period Ending September 30, 1992.
Councilmember Roth moved acceptance. Councilman Arnerich seconded
the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
92-778 Recommendation from the City Manager regarding Budget
Adjustments.
The City Manager noted the background of the matter, summarized
options to cut expenditures and raise revenues.
Councilman Arnerich reviewed items and figures in staff proposal;
presented following suggestions: to tax long-distance calls;
eliminate employee 4-day work furlough; Planning and Library cuts;
put Fire Station 4 item on hold; and still realize a net savings.
Councilmember Roth stated he has always pushed for long-distance
utility users tax; Property Transfer tax can be increased, Utility
Users Tax reduced to 5%, libraries kept [open], furlough
eliminated, and City Manager can make minor adjustments as he sees
fit.
Vice Mayor Lucas agreed long distance calls should be subject to
tax, disagreed with real estate transfer tax increase.
In response to President Withrow's request, the Fire Chief stated
his recommendation would reorganize response units from seven to
six fire companies and two to three ambulances with ambulance
service on BFI.
November 13, 1992
At Councilmember Camicia's request, the Fire Chief compared the
number of calls on BFI to the main island; and discussed impact of
premium pay if it had been given BFI firefighters for ambulance
service.
In response to Councilmember Camicia and Vice Mayor Lucas, the Fire
Chief reviewed procedure on response to emergency calls, and
transport orders.
Vice Mayor Lucas stated she is sure City Attorney is concerned
about potential liability, finds it outrageous that firefighters,
less busy than those on main island, expect premium pay and
endanger lives on BFI for selfish purposes.
Archie Waterbury, President, Library Board, stated Board believes
closing branch libraries is excessive; and suggest options of
increasing library tax or instituting parcel tax.
David Fairfield, Alameda, stated a former student, Dave Howes, a
Firefighters' Olympics participant, requested he speak; believes it
makes no sense to park expensive engine; if he or his family are in
a disaster, he would want [the service of] the best engine and best
firefighter, like Howes, controlling the engine.
Betty Grice, Alameda, stated closing branch libraries would be a
gross injustice to Alamedans because they are needed, everyone uses
them.
Punvipa Grice, Alameda, requested branch libraries not be closed
because they are an important part of children's education; and
everyone uses libraries.
Gertrude Woods, Alameda, stated Library is efficiently-run City
department; Council should consider liquidating assets, e.g.,
Library's golden oak items no longer in use, and Portola Triangle,
which can be utilized as R-1 property.
John Barni, Sr., Alameda, requested Council set City standard;
while on Finance Committee, he proposed elected officials' health
insurance be cut; and considered sale of surplus property.
Dave Howes, Portola Valley, BFI homeowner, firefighter, noted
increase in disaster potential if Engine 4 is cut; urged Council
not eliminate engine; noted firefighter loyalty.
Joseph Cambra, Alameda, Alameda Firefighters Association, stated he
is veteran firefighter, Valor Award and Firefighter of the Year
Award recipient; BFI firefighters do all possible to provide
service; cited incident when family of five were pulled from fire,
transported by, and on decision of, rescue rig [crew], and lives
were saved.
Randall Miller, Twain Harte, part owner San Jose Avenue property,
noted firefighter dedication to citizen safety; stated BFI unit is
November 13, 1992
transport unit; urged Council consider budget further, perhaps
increase revenues, noted some cities charge for false alarms.
Todd Martinez, San Ramon, Alameda Firefighters Association stated
four men per company is national standard, more work is being done
with less manpower; noted hazards encountered and firefighters are
willing to lay down their lives; Council should consider options.
David Walker, Alameda, President, Casitas Homeowners Association,
BFI, representing about 400 houses, stated the Board requested he
come to oppose reduction of firefighting services on BFI.
President Withrow discussed ambulance service with Mr. Walker.
James Ritchey, Alameda, Alameda Firefighters' Association, stated
the station has an ambulance, whether called a rescue truck or
engine; it transports and has not delayed transport; if engine is
cut, service will be reduced.
Marion Miller, Alameda City Employees Association, questioned if
Council has considered selling the Linoaks Motel.
Councilman Arnerich explained money invested came from special
funds and if property is sold the same amount must go back to the
special funds; the General Fund is not affected.
Ms. Miller stated Council has dedicated employees; and she would
like Council and employees to work together.
Vice Mayor Lucas stated she is upset with BFI Fire Station but
appreciates that City employees have been doing an excellent job.
Councilmember Roth moved to increase the Utility Users Tax to
include long distance calls, reduce Utility Users Tax from 5 1/2 to
5 percent, increase the rate for transfer tax, eliminate the
furlough of personnel and the closure of the branch libraries, and
the City Manager review the remaining proposed cuts so that
unnecessary cuts are not made. Failed for lack of a second.
Councilman Arnerich agreed with increasing [Utility Users Tax]
long-distance phone calls; stated he would not recommend reducing
the 5 1/2% Utility Users Tax to 5%; this is not the time to
increase Property Transfer Tax; with the money saved from persons
retiring and positions eliminated, Council could review other
proposals and adjust on July 1st.
Following brief discussion, Councilman Arnerich stated his motion
is to adopt a 5 1/2% Utility Users Tax on long distance phone
calls. Councilmember Roth seconded and the motion was carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
Councilmember Camicia suggested each item be reviewed and stated he
does not want to have any proposed Library cuts adopted.
Councilmember Roth said he would second; Councilmember Camicia
November 13, 1992
stated he does not think a motion is necessary. Councilmember
Lucas and President Withrow agreed Libraries should be kept open.
Councilmember Camicia stated, whether a budget crisis exists or
not, he wants a dedicated ambulance on Bay Farm Island.
In response to Mayor Withrow, the City Manager noted the $489,000
revenue from Utility Users tax on out of state calls, PERS credits
and remaining balance from the current year, would take care of
most of the balance for this fiscal year; and explained the Golden
Handshake program's positive affect on next year's budget.
Councilmember Camicia stated the matter should be looked at as a
two-year package.
Councilman Arnerich addressed attrition due to the PERS Golden
Handshake program.
The City Manager suggested adoption of reductions shown in Exhibit
B of his report excepting the City-wide furlough proposal, and
Planning, Fire, and Library cuts.
Vice Mayor Lucas stated a consensus of Council exists to keep the
libraries open, and with the expectation of further cuts, all cuts
proposed in Exhibit B should be made.
Vice Mayor Lucas made a motion that Council implement all the cuts
proposed in Exhibit B except for the Library cuts. Councilmember
Camicia seconded the motion.
Councilmember Camicia stated two strategies for furloughs have been
discussed: 1) to choose the days throughout the year and 2) close
down City Hall between Christmas and New Year's [Day], which might
be the best option rather than reduce staff throughout the year.
Councilmember Roth stated Council has made a 4% reduction in time
and he is uncomfortable in approving an additional reduction
[furlough] without assessing reduction of services.
Councilman Arnerich stated he does not believe it fair to impose a
furlough after the 4% reduction; implementing cuts excepting the
furlough proposal, Planning, and Library cuts, with the increased
tax on out-of-state calls, the City can be in shape until July, and
following July, the City will realize savings from the attrition.
President Withrow inquired if Councilman Arnerich is requesting an
amendment to the motion and Councilman Arnerich replied
affirmatively.
Vice Mayor Lucas stated she would prefer to vote on the motion as
made.
The motion was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes:
Councilmembers Camicia, Lucas, and President Withrow - 3. Noes:
November 13, 1992
Councilmembers Arnerich and Roth - 2. Absent - None.
92-779 Report from the Personnel Director recommending approval
of the eligibility of additional positions for the Golden
Handshake.
Councilmember Roth moved approval of the eligibility of the
additional positions for the Golden Handshake. Councilman Arnerich
seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
92-780 Report from the Personnel Director recommending approval
of either the Letter of Understanding for Alameda City Employees
Association or Imposing Layoff.
Marion Miller, Alameda, Alameda City Employees Association [ACEA],
requested Council not impose layoffs on ACEA Members, honor
[current] MOU; and take no action on this matter.
The Personnel Director explained the background of the matter;
stated funds were not included in the 1992-93 budget for ACEA
October 1, 1992 wage increases, and is therefore not available; and
staff recommends, because ACEA employees will vote on Tuesday,
November 17, a Council motion as worded by the City Attorney, "to
impose the layoff as set forth in the recommendation, subject to
ACEA not approving the Letter of Understanding in full by
Wednesday, November 18, 1992, by 9:00 a.m. If the Letter of
Understanding is approved in full by November 18th, then the City
Council hereby approves the Letter of Understanding."
Councilman Arnerich inquired of Ms. Miller if she agreed to the
recommendation of the Personnel Director, and fully understands
what the Personnel Director has stated.
Ms. Miller replied she understands, but has been directed [by ACEA]
to request Council not pass this [recommendation].
Councilmember Roth moved to hold the matter over and "continue this
meeting for this item until next Tuesday prior to the Regular
Council Meeting." The motion failed for lack of a second.
Vice Mayor Lucas moved the [staff] recommendation. Councilman
Arnerich seconded the motion.
Councilmember Camicia inquired what the impact of waiting would be,
to which the Personnel Director replied the impact would be a delay
in the implementation of the reduction.
Councilmember Roth noted the delay would only be two business days.
Councilmember Camicia stated the matter could be reagendized for
Tuesday evening. Councilmember Roth stated the meeting could be
continued.
Councilman Arnerich stated eight months of negotiation have taken
November 13, 1992
place and he sees no need of carrying the matter further.
Councilmember Roth stated he would like the time to evaluate what
has been done [change in figures by Council action] on the budget
cuts.
The vote on Vice Mayor Lucas's motion was defeated by the following
voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arnerich and Lucas - 2. Noes:
Councilmembers Camicia, Roth and President Withrow - 3. Absent:
None.
Councilmember Roth inquired if anyone would like to second his
earlier motion, and clarified the motion was to "continue this item
until Tuesday."
The City Attorney stated Council would be continuing the Council
Meeting until after the regularly scheduled Council Meeting.
By consensus, Council continued the matter to Tuesday, November 17,
following the Regular Council Meeting.
RESOLUTIONS
92-781 Resolution No. 12343 "Amending Resolution No. 12274,
Amending the Operating Budget and Capital Improvements Budget for
Fiscal Year 1992-93." Adopted.
Vice Mayor Lucas moved adoption of the resolution; and the
elimination of Library cuts from Exhibit B of the City Manager's
Report dated November 10, 1992.
In response to Councilmember Roth, the City Manager replied, in
order to hold a hearing on extending the tax on out-of-state calls,
a notice must be published in the newspaper, a public hearing must
be held, the soonest that can be held is December 1st, a notice
must be called in to the newspaper on Monday; and stated the
action on this resolution only reduces the items in the budget
excepting the library.
Councilmember Camicia seconded the motion which carried by the
following voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arnerich, Camicia,
Lucas and President Withrow - 4. Noes: Councilmember Roth - 1.
Absent: None.
NEW BUSINESS AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
92-782 Councilman Arnerich stated, when a Special Council
Meeting is scheduled, some citizens do not believe enough notice is
given; Council should issue a press release explaining the meeting
subject and that interested persons should attend the meeting.
November 13, 1992
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, President Withrow adjourned the
meeting at 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
a1,4- 6
DIANE B. FELSCH, CMC
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in advance in accordance
with the Brown Act.
November 13, 1992