1985-08-07 Special CC Minutes563
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD WEDNESDAY AUGUST 7, 1985
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. with President Diament presiding.
ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Corica, Hanna, Lucas, Monsef and
President Diament - 5.
Absent: None.
President Diament announced that the Resolutions, Item Nos. 3 and 4,
would be taken out of order at this time. Councilmember Monsef
made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Hanna, that the two salary
resolutions be considered; the motion carried by unanimous
voice vote - 5.
RESOLUTIONS
85 -480 Resolution No. 10704 "Approving Alameda City Employees
Association Salary Resolution and Memorandum of Understanding."
Councilmember Monsef moved, and Councilmember Lucas seconded the
the motion, that the resolution be adopted. The motion carried by
the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Corica, Hanna, Lucas,
Monsef and President Diament - 5. Noes: None. Absent: None.
85 -481 Resolution No. 10705 "Amending the Management and
Confidential Employee - Salary Resolution."
Councilmember Monsef made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Lucas,
that the resolution be adopted; the motion carried by the following
vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Corica, Hanna, Lucas, Monsef, and
President Diament - 5. Noes: None. Absent: None.
President Diament stated the Council will address Item No. 2,
Discussion of the Carnegie Building, at this time.
85 -482 Discussion of the Carnegie Building and adjacent land as a
potential Main Library Site.
Albert Edgerton, D.D.S, Chairman, Alameda Library Building Committee,
explained the purpose of the Committee. Dr. Edgerton informed
Council that Mr. Nelson, architect with Hansen, Murakami, and Eshima;
Mr. Hansen of Hansen, Murakami, and Eshima; and Mr. Messinger,
structural engineer, were present to answer any questions.
Mr. Nelson highlighted the Feasibility Report for the expansion and
remodel of the Alameda Free Library.
The following persons spoke on the subject:
David Plummer, Chairman, Historical Advisory Commission, submitted a
sketch of an addition to the Library for consideration by Council.
Woody Minor, Member, Historical Advisory Commission, explained the
importance of retaining the integrity of a Civic Center in Alameda.
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564
Paul Roberts, 1024 Union Street, described alternatives to the
Feasibility Report.
Thomas Eanes, 1830 San Jose Avenue, stressed the importance of
obtaining a study from a firm which works with historical buildings.
Helen Dodt, 1723 Chapin Street, stated the present building is not
functional as a library.
Donna Vaughn and Barbara Rasmussen, Co-Presidents of the Alameda PTA
Council, informed the Council that the PTA Council supports a new
library site.
Fred Scullin, 1120 Chestnut Street, stated the City does not need a
new library nor an annexation.
Gertrude B. Woods, Chairman, Library Board, informed the Council that
the Board believes the citizens of Alameda will be best served by a
new library on a new site.
Josephine Bixler, 814 Haight Avenue, described the various problems
being experienced at the present Library, including handicapped
accessibility.
Councilmember Corica stated the Carnegie building should remain an
historical facility, and a new library built behind it.
President Diament noted she is not committed to the present site, and
that the Council directed the Library Building Committee to locate new
sites for a new library. President Diament stated the Council must,
at this time, make a decision, including Councilmember Corica's
recommendation, in order for the Committee to continue with their
work.
Councilmember Hanna requested the architects to respond to
Councilmember Corica's suggestion that a separate building be
constructed that does not incorporate the Carnegie Building
as part of the Library system.
Mr. Nelson responded that although they have not explored that
concept, it is certainly a possibility.
Councilmember Lucas questioned the statement incorporated in the
report that the Council has gone on record against reducing the
housing stock in Alameda, and that condemning adjacent property which
is currently used for housing would be against City policy.
Councilmember Lucas explained that it is not a City policy, and a
decision would depend upon the purpose.
President Diament responded that, in her opinion, it has been
Council's policy not to reduce housing.
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56
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Councilmember Lucas cited another concern regarding the statement
that the City should comply with current zoning requirements, e.g.,
parking. Councilmember Lucas commented that such a requirement would
create an incredible burden upon any development in the downtown area.
Councilmember Corica stated that parking is probably the key to the
issue, and the City should explore parking arrangements with nearby
businesses.
Councilmember Hanna suggested that in the future the City could raise
additional funds to acquire another building to subsidize parking
space.
Councilmember Lucas stated the rehabilitation grant would be the best
way to start.
Councilmember Corica stated the Carnegie Building could not serve as
a functional library, and the City, if awarded the grant, should use
the funds to repair the Carnegie Building. Councilmember Corica
added that a new library should be constructed, and he would make a
motion to that effect.
Councilmember Monsef commented that he supported a Civic Center
concept, which should include a Civic Center parking plaza.
President Diament inquired if there was second to Councilmember
Corica's motion. Councilmember Corica moved that the City retain the
Carnegie Building, apply for the grant for rehabilitation, and
proceed with the construction of a new library behind the Carnegie
Building. Councilmember Monsef seconded the motion.
Councilmember Hanna expressed concern that the grant would only be a
portion of a much larger project. President Diament stated the
Library Board must study the grant proposal in greater depth.
Councilmember Lucas stated that the Council should not vote on
Councilmember Corica's motion. President Diament requested rewording
of the motion.
Councilmember Corica made a motion that a new library building should
be built behind the Carnegie Building. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Hanna; the motion carried by the following vote: Ayes:
Councilmembers Corica, Hanna, Monsef and President Diament - 4. Noes:
Councilmember Lucas - 1. Absent: None.
The City Manager inquired if the action taken precludes any other
sites in the Civic Center area. Following discussion between Council
and Dr. Edgerton, President Diament stated the question of the site
had been voted upon.
Councilmember Hanna inquired whether the Committee knew of any other
site within the area. Mr. Kirkland mentioned a site located between
San Antonio Avenue and Encinal Avenue on Oak Street and concluded
that the Committee could continue to proceed with its study.
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566
Councilmember Hanna, in response to Mr. Kirkland's comment regarding
the continuance of the study, stated he did not believe that option
was available; the City Manager concurred.
The City Manager expressed concern regarding the acquisition of the
church site. It was the consenus of Council the site had been voted
upon.
President Diament adjourned the meeting at 9:03 p.m.
August 7, 1985
Respectfully submitted,
/ , a
Diane Felsch
City Clerk