2014-12-16 Special CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -DECEMBER 16, 2014- -5:00 P.M.
Mayor Gilmore convened the meeting at 5:10 p.m. Councilmember Chen led the
Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Chen, Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Tam
and Mayor Gilmore – 5.
Absent: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Gilmore announced that the Del Monte project ordinances [paragraph nos. 14-
511 and 14-511 A], the Police and Fire Services Fee report [paragraph no. 14-513], and
the resolution appointing Mark Sorensen [paragraph no. 14- 518] were removed from
the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Councilmember Tam moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote
– 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph
number.]
(*14-509) Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting, the Special Joint City Council
and Successor Agency to the Community Improvement Commission Meeting and the
Regular City Council Meeting Held on November 18, 2014. Approved.
(*14-510) Ratified bills in the amount of $2,389,832.98.
(14-511) Ordinance No. 3115, “Adopting the Del Monte Warehouse Master Plan and
Density Bonus Application for Redevelopment and Adaptive Reuse of the Property
Located at the Northeast Corner of the Intersection of Sherman Street and Buena Vista
Avenue.” Finally passed; and
(14-511A) Ordinance No. 3116, “Approving Development Agreement By and Between
the City of Alameda and TL Partners, I, LP Governing the Del Monte Warehouse Project
for Real Property Located at the Northeast Corner of the Intersection of Sherman Street
and Buena Vista Avenue.” Finally passed.
Mayor Gilmore stated that she would like to limit the hearing to end at 7:00 p.m.
Councilmember Tam moved approval of the hearing running from 5:25 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Councilmember Chen seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Chen, Ezzy Ashcraft, Tam and Mayor Gilmore – 4. Noes:
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Councilmember Daysog – 1.
Councilmember Tam moved approval of limiting the speaker time to 2 minutes.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice
vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Chen, Ezzy Ashcraft, Tam and Mayor Gilmore – 4. Noes:
Councilmember Daysog – 1.
Stated that she is opposed to the speaker time limit and to the Council approving the
Master Plan tonight; the community should have an opportunity to see the entire project:
Mayor-Elect Trish Spencer, Alameda.
Stated the project needs to be reviewed in the context of all projects, especially all
projects in the Northern Waterfront; the impact of the project was not studied in the
context of the projects in the Housing Element; urged the matter be delayed:
Councilmember-Elect Frank Matarrese, Alameda.
Urged support on behalf of her husband; outlined benefits: Helen Sause, Alameda
Home Team.
Urged the matter be deferred to the next Council: Maria Dominguez, Alameda.
Stated the plan has been reviewed for a year; the developer has made great effort to
present the plans; the building is empty and there are great benefits to moving the
project forward: Patricia Young, Alameda Home Team and Alameda resident.
Stated there is great detail for Phase 1 and no detail for Phase 2; outlined Municipal
Code requirements for density bonus: Paul Foreman, Alameda.
Stated the neighborhood fought to have a seat at the table; urged approval, which
allows the neighborhood to keep a seat at the table: Alison Greene, PLAN! Alameda.
Urged approval: Diane Lichtenstein, Alameda Home Team; and Melinda Hayes,
Alameda.
Stated that she is opposed to the large number of residential units; the plans for
Buildings B and C are not clear; questioned the developer’s control over Jean Sweeney
Park: Carol Gottstein, Alameda.
Discussed quick decisions; stated there is no need to rush if the plan is so great;
expressed concern over the timing: Kurt Peterson, Alameda.
Expressed concern over the pulse of the neighborhood not being truly known; stated
people felt like the Planning Board was not listening: Rion Cassidy, Alameda.
Stated the Alameda Association of Realtors supports the development of needed
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housing: Anne DeBardeleben, Alameda Association of Realtors.
Stated no one is in favor of leaving the Del Monte in its current condition; urged final
passage of the ordinances: Michael McDonough, Chamber of Commerce.
Expressed support for the project: John Piziali, Alameda.
Expressed support for the Planning Board and staff; urged moving forward: Nick Cabral,
Alameda.
Stated the choice is restoration or dilapidation; those opposed have not offered
alternatives; a decision should be made tonight; that he is in favor the project: Art
Lenhardt, Alameda.
Stated that she likes the project, but a decision should not be made tonight; expressed
concern over the holding the hearing at the last meeting; stated greater discussion is
needed: Jane Sullwold, Alameda.
Expressed concern over the plan not being complete; outlined omissions: Ken
Peterson, Alameda.
Expressed support for the project, which is good for the neighborhood and schools:
Kevin Gorham, Encinal High School Principal and Alameda resident.
Stated the project would provide a needed housing supply: Kari Thompson, Chamber of
Commerce and Alameda resident.
Stated the area has always been tremendously underutilized; the plans are thoughtful
and well designed; Alameda needs more housing; urged approval: Charles Rogerson,
Alameda.
Urged the decision be deferred: Red Wetherill, Alameda.
Provided an example of a development causing problems; stated parking is crucial;
expressed her opposition to the project: Virginia Bergstrom, Alameda.
Stated problems need to be addressed; voting tonight would tarnish a good project:
Adam Gillitt, Alameda.
Urged approval of the project; outlined benefits: Karen Bey, Alameda.
Expressed concern over the Plan’s readiness: Former Councilmember Doug deHaan.
Discussed an article which quoted the Mayor; stated although development brings in
money, costs need to be addressed, such as traffic: Alan Mitchum, Alameda.
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Mayor Gilmore noted the article was addressing Alameda Point.
Expressed support; stated language guarantees affordable housing will be built; the
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) could have been better, but was adequate: Bill
Smith, Alameda.
Urged approval of the Master Plan; stated the Plan is a model for reversing disastrous
regional development on prime farmland; discussed the importance of housing stability:
Laura Thomas, Renewed Hope.
Stated that she supports the project, but urged the matter be delayed to allow additional
public input: Patsy Baer, Alameda.
Expressed concern over Clement Avenue extension; stated if the City does not have
control over the Penzzoil property, the matter should be delayed: Rosemary McNally,
Alameda.
Stated most people support the project, but the devil is in the details; expressed
concern over the affordable housing being segregated: Gretchen Lipow, Alameda.
Questioned what is the rush: Elizabeth Tuckwell, Alameda.
Stated that he would like to see the project move forward: Sean Cahill, Alameda.
Urged the matter be passed on to the next Council: Janet Gibson, Alameda.
Urged final passage of the ordinances; stated the Master Plan sets forth affordable
housing provisions; all density bonus information required has been submitted; tonight
is the twelfth public hearing; the project has 34 units per acre: Mike O’Hara, Tim Lewis
Communities.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he abstained from voting on the Development
Agreement and Master Plan because of the inadequacies of the Transportation
Demand Management (TDM) Plan; he agrees Del Monte should be restored, but there
should be a more robust discussion based on the type and magnitude of the project;
planning has to be more strategic; he would like to have a clear understanding of the
TDM; that he cannot support the item.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft thanked the public and the Alameda Citizens Taskforce;
stated the Del Monte project is different from the library and theater projects; folks like
the project but are urging the Council to wait; that she gives a lot of weight and
credence to PLAN! Alameda; the Del Monte project may never be perfect, but will bring
many benefits to residents; that she is prepared to support the project.
Councilmember Tam expressed her appreciation to the neighborhood; stated the
amount of civic engagement transcends more than the five hours at the last meeting;
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the developer plans to rehabilitate a historic landmark, which is a key public benefit; that
she is prepared to adopt the ordinance.
Councilmember Chen concurred with Councilmember Tam; stated the last meeting had
over five hours of discussion; the speakers have not provided any new information to
compel him to change his vote; that he supports the project.
Mayor Gilmore stated sometimes the process looks rushed because the public
becomes engaged at the end of the process; the affordable housing piece is required to
move forward before any permits can be issued.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved final passage of the ordinance approving
Development Agreement by and between the City of Alameda and TL Partners, I, LP
governing the Del Monte Warehouse Project for real property located at the Northeast
corner of the intersection of Sherman Street and Buena Vista Avenue.
Councilmember Tam seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Chen, Ezzy Ashcraft, Tam and Mayor Gilmore – 4. Noes:
Councilmember Daysog – 1.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved final passage of the ordinance adopting the Del Monte
Warehouse Master Plan and Density Bonus Application for redevelopment and adaptive
reuse of the property located at the Northeast corner of the intersection of Sherman
Street and Buena Vista Avenue.
Councilmember Chen seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Chen, Ezzy Ashcraft, Tam and Mayor Gilmore – 4. Noes:
Councilmember Daysog – 1.
(*14-512) Recommendation to Accept the Special Tax and Local Bond Measure Annual
Report. Accepted.
(14-513) Recommendation to Accept the Police and Fire Services Fee Report.
Stated the matter should not be heard because the exhibit was not available on line:
Ken Peterson, Alameda.
Councilmember Tam stated the exhibit is attached.
Mayor Gilmore stated the law requires Council to hear the item before the end of the
year.
The Assistant City Manager stated the report is on Development Impact Fees (DIF) paid
to Police and Fire services; the City is required to present the DIF amount collected and
spent.
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Councilmember Tam stated there is no impact on the General Fund; the fees are a
transfer of funds to reflect usage.
The Assistant City Manager stated the fee is for the period January through September,
2014.
The City Clerk stated the link to the exhibit was corrupted and cannot be opened.
Councilmember Tam inquired whether everyone on the dais was able to open and
review Exhibit 1, to which the Councilmembers responded in the affirmative.
The City Manager suggested Council accept the report and direct staff to bring the item
back on January 6, 2015.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of accepting the report.
Councilmember Tam seconded the motion.
Mayor Gilmore inquired whether the motion included direction to have the matter
brought back on January 6th.
Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft and Councilmember Tam concurred the direction is included
in the motion.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote – 5.
(*14-514) Recommendation to Accept the Citywide Development Fee and Fleet
Industrial Supply Center (FISC)/Catellus Traffic Fee Report. Accepted.
(*14-515) Resolution No. 14991, “Reappointing Ryan Clausnitzer as Trustee to the
Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District Board.” Adopted.
(*14-516) Resolution No. 14992, “Amending Resolution No. 9460 to Reflect Current
Positions and Entities to be Included in the City of Alameda’s Conflict of Interest Code
and Rescind Resolution No. 14734.” Adopted.
(*14-517) Resolution No. 14993, “Relating to the Securities and Exchange Commission
Municipalities Continuing Disclosure Cooperation Initiative. Adopted.
(14-518) Resolution No. 14994, “Appointing Mark Sorensen as a Member of the Social
Service Human Relations Board.” Adopted.
Councilmember Tam moved adoption of the resolution.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote –
5.
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The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office and presented Mr. Sorensen with a
certificate of appointment.
(*14-519) Ordinance No. 3117, “Approving a Lease and Authorizing the City Manager to
Execute Documents Necessary to Implement the Terms of a Lease with Bay Ship and
Yacht Company for Sixty Months in Building 292 Located at 1450 Ferry Point at
Alameda Point.” Finally passed.
(*14-520) Ordinance No. 3118, “Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending
Chapter 2 (Administration), Article 2 (Board and Commissions) by Repealing Section 2-
21 (Youth Advisory Commission) in Its Entirety.” Finally passed.
ADJOURNMENT
(14-521) There being no further business, Mayor Gilmore adjourned the special meeting
at 6:44 p.m. in memory of Sam Sause.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.
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