2003-05-20 CIC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT MEETING
TUESDAY - - MAY 20, 2003 - - 7:25 P.M.
Chair Johnson convened the Special Meeting at 7:31 p.m.
Commissioner DeWitt led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL – Present: Commissioners Daysog, DeWitt, Kerr and
Chair Johnson – 4.
Absent: Commissioner Matarrese – 1.
MINUTES
(03-031) Minutes of the Special Community Improvement Commission
Meetings of May 6, 2003. Approved.
Commissioner DeWitt moved approval of the minutes.
Commissioner Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote – 4. [Absent: Commissioner Matarrese – 1]
AGENDA ITEMS
(03-032) Recommendation to enter into an extension of the
Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with MovieTECS for the
Redevelopment of the Alameda Theatre.
Robb Ratto, Park Street Business Association (PSBA), stated PSBA
supports the staff recommendation to extend the ENA with the new
developer; PSBA is confident about moving forward with the project;
the movie theatre is important for the City and Park Street
businesses; urged Council to approve the staff recommendation.
Ron Schaeffer, Alameda, requested Council to reconsider entering
into a further extension of the ENA with MovieTECS; stated the
project requires the condemnation of the theatre in order to
proceed; that he questions the pursuit of condemning the theatre;
the structure is completely viable; original façades and lighting
are intact; Alameda should preserve original structures; stated
that he and other citizens of Alameda would like to submit a
proposal to restore the theatre to its original single screen
configuration and art deco theme for use as a first run and vintage
movie house and community art center; the project would be
developed as a non-profit corporation; urged Council not to extend
the ENA.
Chair Johnson inquired whether Mr. Schaeffer believed the original
structure would be demolished, to which Mr. Schaeffer responded in
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May 20, 2003
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the negative.
Chair Johnson stated the plan is to renovate and restore the
structure.
Commissioner DeWitt stated the State and City’s current financial
situation requires that the City thoroughly review how projects are
financed; a recession might keep people from going to the movies;
stated there will be a theatre and a parking structure.
Chair Johnson stated that she concurs with Councilmember DeWitt;
profits from movie openings are still increasing.
Commissioner DeWitt requested public input as the project moves
forward; stated the public should be informed of how the project
effects the General Fund and of the long range plans; requested
that the public be involved in decisions regarding the number of
screens, seats, parking spots, and funding.
Commissioner DeWitt moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Commissioner Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote – 4. [Absent: Commissioner Matarrese – 1]
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chair Johnson adjourned the
Special Meeting at 7:39 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lara Weisiger
Secretary, Community Improvement
Commission
The Agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
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May 20, 2003
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