2006-02-21 Regular CC MinutesRegular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -FEBRUARY 21, 2006- -7:30 P.M.
Mayor Johnson convened the Regular Meeting at 8:07 p.m.
ROLL CALL – Present: Councilmembers Daysog, deHaan, Gilmore,
Matarrese, and Mayor Johnson – 5.
Absent: None.
AGENDA CHANGES
(06-076) Mayor Johnson announced that the recommendation to
appropriate $170,000 in Urban Runoff Funds and authorize the City
Manager to execute a Contract with Regency Centers [paragraph no.
06-079] would be continued to March 7, 2006.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote – 5.
[Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding
the paragraph number.]
(*06-077) Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held on
February 4, 2006 and the Special and Regular City Council Meetings
held on February 7, 2006. Approved.
(*06-078) Ratified bills in the amount of $1,452,894.81.
(06-079) Recommendation to appropriate $170,000 in Urban Runoff
Funds and authorize the City Manager to execute a Contract with
Regency Centers for repair to public drainage facilities in
coordination with construction of the Bridgeside Shopping Center
improvements. Continued to March 7, 2006.
(*06-080) Recommendation to appropriate funds and to award Contract
in the amount of $2,057,000 to Pacific Trenchless, Inc. for Cyclic
Sewer Repair Project, Phase 4, No. P.W. 05-03-11. Accepted.
(*06-081) Recommendation to approve the purchase of five
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
2
Communications Center Workstations for the Police Department from
Wright-Line Technical Environment Solutions in the amount of
$45,535.03. Accepted.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(06-082) Resolution No. 13927, “Appointing Lorre Zuppan as a
member of the Economic Development Commission.” Adopted.
Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the Resolution.
Vice Mayor Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote – 5.
The City Clerk administered the Oath and presented a certificate of
appointment to Ms. Zuppan.
(06-083) Report on proposed PERS Golden Handshake Retirement under
California Government Code Section 20903.
The Human Resources Director provided a brief report.
Councilmember deHaan inquired what are the procedures for moving
forward with the Golden Handshake program.
The Human Resources Director responded interested employees would
need to file retirement papers with PERS by June 30; stated PERS
would provide a notice to the employees and would make adjustments
for the two years additional credit once the employees start
receiving pension checks.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the matter would return for
Council action.
The Human Resources Director responded that a resolution will be
presented to the Council on March 7.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether a certain number of people
are required to participate in the program, to which the Human
Resources Director responded in the negative.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether a reduction in the work force
would be necessary if individuals do not take advantage of the
program, to which the Human Resources responded staff reduction
might be necessary.
Vice Mayor Gilmore stated fourteen classifications are listed;
inquired whether each classification has only person or more than
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
3
one employee in each pool.
The Human Resources Director responded there are eleven
classifications; stated more employees could take advantage; four
Customer Service Representatives are listed but six could take
advantage of the Golden Handshake.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the City is required to handle the
program in a certain manner.
The Human Resources Director responded that PERS has specific
requirements; classifications could be designated by department and
division.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the number of employees in a
classification could be limited.
The Human Resources Director responded only if the department,
division, and area were narrowly defined.
Councilmember deHaan stated that he hopes there are no consequences
by having too many employees take advantage of the program.
Mayor Johnson stated fewer employees would be eligible if the
classification is narrowly defined.
Councilmember deHaan moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
voice vote – 5.
(06-084) Recommendation to adopt the Long-Term Park Use Policy.
The Acting Recreation and Parks Director provided a brief report.
Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired whether the Recreation and Park
Department could contract with a third party to conduct a program
in one of the parks, to which the Acting Recreation and Park
Director responded in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Gilmore stated that she liked that for-profit groups
would not be considered; the application states that property
owners and tenants would be notified to attend a neighborhood
meeting; inquired whether the Acting Recreation and Park Director
was aware of what the notification process would entail.
The Acting Recreation and Park Director responded in the
affirmative; stated the notification process has been done in the
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
4
past.
Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired whether the process would be at the
applicant’s expense, to which the Acting Recreation and Planning
Director responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the long-term, exclusive
use was for the whole park or for not more than 15% of the park.
The Acting Recreation and Park Director responded the long-term,
exclusive use would be for not more than 15% of the park.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he would like to require
Council approval for any alternations to existing park conditions;
the parks are precious open space; he does not believe that the
public should be excluded if a private group has long-term,
exclusive use of a portion of the park; inquired how the policy
would affect existing private use of park land.
The Acting Recreation and Park Director responded currently there
are no long-term uses.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the two pools have long-term uses.
The Recreation and Park Director stated the two pool associations
have leases until 2011.
Mayor Johnson inquired when the leases were renewed, to which the
Acting Recreation and Park Director responded five years ago.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the pool association and
[Cellular] tower leases are the only private uses.
The Acting Recreation and Park Director responded in the
affirmative; stated that the private uses are covered by separate,
detailed agreements.
Mayor Johnson requested clarification on Councilmember Matarrese’s
requested changes.
Councilmember Matarrese stated changes would be requiring Council’s
approval for any uses that would change existing park conditions.
Mayor Johnson stated a distinction is needed between use and
structures; a requirements is needed in the case of change or
structures; she prefers that the policy be a resolution or
ordinance; she personally prefers an ordinance; stated broader
newspaper noticing should be required; she does not like the
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
5
language regarding the decision being final unless appealed;
questioned whether an appeal would include the Call for Review
procedure.
Vice Mayor Gilmore stated that she has a philosophical problem with
the phrase “paving over open space” unless referring to
recreational-type facilities.
City Manager inquired whether temporary tents would be acceptable,
to which Mayor Johnson responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that he would prefer to have
temporary tent requests come to the Council for approval; a lot of
money is invested in the parks and; the parks should be treated
like gold; private parties should pay dearly for exclusive use of
the parks.
Mayor Johnson stated a distinguishing factor could be a non-profit
having a public event versus a non-profit having an event that
excludes the public.
Councilmember Matarrese stated exclusive use means groups would
determine who could enter the park and who cannot.
The Acting Recreation and Park Director stated the paragraph at the
bottom on the page states: “Park and recreation facilities are
designated for public use. Therefore entities requesting approval
for long-term use of park land and recreation facilities must be
able to accommodate participation from the general public and not
be limited by membership association.”
Mayor Johnson stated the term “exclusive use” should not be used.
The City Manager suggested using the term “designated use”.
Mayor Johnson stated non-profits are not defined.
The City Manager stated non-profits could be defined by the type of
corporation.
Mayor Johnson inquired about unincorporated organizations.
The Acting Recreation and Park Director responded a definition for
non-profit status is available.
Mayor Johnson stated the definition should be included in the
policy.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
6
Vice Mayor Gilmore stated that the application form should include
the language: “Park land and recreation facilities are designed for
public use. Therefore, entities requesting approval for long-term
use of park land and recreation facilities must be able to
accommodate participation from the general public and not be
limited by membership association.”
The Acting Recreation and Park Director stated the language could
be included; noted applicants need to schedule a pre-meeting as
part of the process.
Councilmember Daysog inquired what were the Recreation and Park
Commission’s comments regarding the 72 hours and whether the 72
hours applied to a per-year basis.
The Acting Recreation and Park Director responded the Recreation
and Park Commission felt other activities would be impacted if any
park activity shut down a park for 72 hours or more; a 72- hour use
would be subject to more review than shorter-term uses.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the 72-hour use would apply
if a non-profit occupied different parks for eight-hour periods at
different times of the year.
The Acting Recreation and Parks Director responded said uses would
be handled through the current one-day reservation process.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether reservations for picnic areas would
be included in the policy.
The Acting Recreation and Parks Director responded picnic area
reservations are handled through the one-day reservation process.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the Lincoln Park and Franklin
Park pool association responsibilities would change with the
policy, to which the Acting Recreation and Park Director responded
in the negative.
Councilmember Daysog stated that the pool associations have a
lease; inquired how the policy would affect the renewal of the
lease.
The Acting Recreation and Park Director responded the Council would
have the option to extend the lease based upon the public service
provided.
Mayor Johnson stated lease renewals are issues that should come to
the Council.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
7
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the pool associations had an
opportunity to weigh in on the long-term policy.
The Acting Recreation and Park Director responded the pool
associations and other groups were notified of meetings.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the pool associations
participated in the meetings, to which the Acting Recreation and
Park Director responded in the negative.
Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the pool associations could
be contacted directly to ensure that the policy has been received,
to which the Acting Recreation and Park Director responded in the
affirmative.
The City Manager stated that the preference is to bring the policy
back to the Council as a resolution with suggested changes.
Mayor Johnson requested that Council resolutions be added to the
compliance checklist in staff reports.
Councilmember deHaan stated he would like to receive feedback from
others who might be impacted by the policy.
Mayor Johnson stated staff could send a notice inviting
participation in the process.
(06-085) Adoption of Resolution Calling Upon Steps to Withdraw Our
Reservists, Coast Guard Units and Members of the California
National Guard Troops from Iraq. Not adopted.
Proponents (In favor of Resolution):
Mark Irons, Alameda; Diana Morrison, Alameda; Dorothy Kakimoto,
Alameda; Mary Abu-Saba, Alameda; Tom Matthews, Alameda; Richard
Hofmann, Alameda Democratic Club; Deborah James, Alameda; Kathryn
Neale Manalo, Alameda; Paula Rainey, Alameda; Jasmine Tokuda,
Alameda; Norah Foster, Alameda; Allen Michaan, Alameda; Neil
Garcia-Sinclair, Alameda; Irma Garcia-Sinclair, Alameda; Carl
Halpern, Alameda; Susan Galleymore, Alameda; Gretchen Lipow,
Alameda; Pat Flores, Alameda; Michael John Torrey, Alameda; and
David Teeters, Alameda.
Opponents (Not in favor of Resolution):
Richard Myshak, Alameda (submitted comments); Dr. Alice A. Challen,
Alameda; and Robert Todd, Alameda.
Mayor Johnson thanked the speakers for the courtesy and respect
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
8
shown to each other and thanked Councilmember Matarrese for
bringing the issue to the community for discussion.
Councilmember Matarrese thanked the speakers and those who sent e-
mails and letters; stated the initial notion was to bring the
California National Guard home; personally he feels that the rest
of the troops cannot be left behind; an exit is needed for all;
that he is very glad that Ms. Morrison is back home and is honored
by her presence; other Alamedans are in danger; the City is
directly impacted and damaged by the policy being carried out; he
understands that the Charter sets limitations on the City Council;
the Charter does not limit speaking to higher governments; letters
are written and resolutions are made when higher levels of
government propose policies that would damage Alameda; Alameda’s
presence was made known regarding the port of Oakland; a seawall
broke due to a storm and high tides on Bay Farm Island; Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) money was to pay for the repair;
the federal government provides funding for Section 8 housing,
highways, transportation, and the Base’s superfund cleanup; the
federal government is saying there is no money; money is taken away
from cities if the State receives less federal money; the Base
impact is real and direct; Alamedans will pay for living on a sand
bar when an earthquake occurs; simple and direct language is
proposed for the resolution; Alameda is paying a price that is
greater than the benefit; proposed the following resolution
language: “WHEREAS, the costs have resulted in unprecedented
Federal budget deficits, which directly impact and damage the State
of California and Alameda.”
Mayor Johnson stated that she does not think the community
consensus is to have the Council speak on behalf of the City; she
concurs that local levels are affected by federal issues; she does
not mind communicating her concern regarding the level of the
California National Guard and the ability to respond to local and
State emergencies; she feels the resolution goes beyond that
concern.
Councilmember Daysog stated he had the opportunity to go to
Washington, D.C. over the weekend; he was touched to see 50,000
names of people who paid the ultimate sacrifice; the Vietnam War
was highly controversial and lasted longer than necessary; Council
meetings are a place where ideas can be heard; the Vietnam Memorial
might not have been necessary if towns voiced opinions earlier;
City Councils need to make statements on issues of grave importance
such as Iraq; the City of Alameda is steeped in history and proud
of traditions, including the Base and individuals such as Jimmy
Doolittle who became a World War II hero; he does not want the City
of Alameda and the City Council to be like other Bay Area City
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
9
Councils such as Berkeley, San Francisco, and Santa Monica; Alameda
is a middle-of-the-road City; words need to be chosen wisely and
carefully; the resolution goes beyond withdrawing the California
National Guard from Iraq but also references certain politicos’
distain for President Bush and contributes to the vitriol between
the far left and far right; politics should not drive how Alameda
engages in discussions; the Council must serve all of Alameda and
not just those most angered by President Bush; the Council should
express appreciation for the armed services’ work, sacrifices, and
commitment and pray for a safe and speedy return; everyone believes
that having the troops back sooner and safer is best for all;
Alameda has an opportunity to contribute in a way that is stripped
of the far left and far right rhetoric.
Vice Mayor Gilmore thanked everyone for having a calm discussion on
a very difficult issue; stated some people will be dissatisfied
regardless of tonight’s outcome; she would not like to have
tonight’s discussion construed as not supporting the troops in
Iraq; the troops deserve support and thanks; the troops are paying
the ultimate price for the country’s ideals; concurred with Mayor
Johnson regarding there not being a consensus within the community
on the resolution; she has been persuaded by the eloquent speakers
who spoke of how the City would need the National Guard, Coast
Guard and reservists in case of an earthquake, natural disaster, or
terrorist attack; the City Council has a responsibility to plan for
disasters and ensure that everything is done to protect the
citizens; she does not believe that the Council needs a consensus
from the community to support a resolution to call the California
National Guard home; she has a difficult time with the concept of
the City Council passing a resolution calling for withdrawal of
all troops from Iraq; she does not believe there is a consensus
from the community to speak on the issue; she is trying to keep her
personal opinion separate from her responsibility as an elected
Councilmember; she is trying to represent all of Alameda, not just
a portion.
Councilmember deHaan apologized for having to leave the last
Council Meeting due to a pinched nerve; stated many people were not
proud of how long the Vietnam War lasted and how the veterans were
treated upon return; a disproportionate majority of the veterans
are being served by homeless shelters, soup kitchens and other
aids; he did not think that he would be discussing Vietnam War
issues when he ran for office; nothing is going to change the
innocence lost from 911; the war in Iraq is troublesome; Katrina is
a good example of not being prepared; he vowed that he did not want
to get into a national level discussion when he ran for office;
future money will not be available for the Base but is not the
reason that the Base has not been conveyed; stated he will not
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
10
support the resolution.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he put together an alternate
resolution that references his opening statement regarding offering
prayers for a speedy and safe return of the troops; read the
operative sections of the alternate resolution; stated the two
resolutions differ in that his resolution does not reference
Congressman Murtha’s or Assembly Member Hancock’s highly partisan
tones; concerns can be conveyed in words that are more carefully
and wisely chosen.
Councilmember Daysog moved adoption of the alternate resolution.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that the alternate resolution does
not ask or demand anything; a request needs to be made to have the
National Guard return home and a timetable provided for withdrawal
of the rest of the troops; the burden increases as the situation
continues; he understands looking at history for an appreciation
and lessons learned; the Base has not been conveyed because of
haggling over the remediation costs; he is willing to strike
references to Congressman Murtha and Assembly Member Hancock from
the resolution.
Vice Mayor Gilmore concurred with Councilmember Matarrese regarding
asking for something in the resolution; stated Council has the
purview to call the California National Guard home; the California
National Guard has been abused and needs to come home for
California’s safety and security; she is not willing to support a
resolution calling for the withdrawal of all troops.
Councilmember Matarrese proposed striking out partisan references
[in the original resolution]; stated language regarding a timetable
meets the intent of what the City needs; reaching a consensus on
the issue is impractical; he thinks the majority of the citizens
are in favor of bringing troops home and understand the need;
consensus is a strong word; leading with the majority is sometimes
necessary instead of driving for consensus.
Vice Mayor Gilmore stated the majority of the people in attendance
are in favor of the resolution; the majority of e-mails and phone
calls she received were against the resolution; she is not bothered
by not having a majority agree to bring the California National
Guard home because the Council’s role is to prepare for a natural
disaster or terrorist attack.
Councilmember Daysog restated his motion to adopt the alternate
resolution.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
11
Councilmember deHaan seconded the motion.
Councilmember deHaan stated that some Councilmembers have endorsed
some of the State resolutions; he has some major concerns with
moving one step forward at the local level.
On the call for the question, the MOTION FAILED by the following
voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog and deHaan – 2. Noes:
Councilmembers Gilmore, Matarrese, and Mayor Johnson – 3.
Mayor Johnson CONCURRED with Vice Mayor Gilmore’s comments
regarding the Council not being misconstrued as not supporting the
troops; stated a resolution should ask for something.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that a past Council made a more
controversial resolution supporting a multi-lateral versus
unilateral approach to Iraq three years ago; a fiscal disaster
exists which is as real as a natural disaster.
Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the resolution striking
references to Congressman Murtha and Assembly Member Hancock.
Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired whether the language “immediate stops
to establish a date and timetable to withdraw U.S. troops” would
remain in the resolution, to which Councilmember Matarrese
responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Johnson stated the MOTION FAILED due to lack of a second.
Mayor Johnson expressed her appreciation to everyone attending the
meeting and to Councilmember Matarrese for bringing the issue to
the community for discussion.
Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether a second would be given to
his motion if the language “...withdraw U.S. troops” was deleted.
Vice Mayor Gilmore responded in the affirmative; stated she is
comfortable in requesting that the California National Guard return
home; national level discussions are more difficult.
Councilmember Matarrese amended his motion to adopt the resolution
striking references to Congressman Murtha and Assembly Member
Hancock; keeping the focus on the California National Guard, and
replacing “...withdraw U.S. troops” with “...withdraw California
National Guard troops.”
Vice Mayor Gilmore seconded the motion.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
12
Councilmember Daysog stated the language as amended still includes
military logistics that go beyond the scope of the City Council;
the resolution is another contribution to the level of rancor
between the far left and far right.
Vice Mayor Gilmore requested clarification on how the amended
resolution would read.
Councilmember Matarrese responded that the paragraph referencing
Congressman Murtha and Assembly Member Hancock would be removed;
the second to the last paragraph would read: “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Alameda calls upon
the President, Congress and the Governor of California to take
immediate steps to withdraw the California National Guard.”
Mayor Johnson stated she has no problem in stating that adequate
California National Guard levels are needed here to deal with
emergencies and disasters, which is different than the proposed
language; the community does not want the Council to speak about
withdrawing all troops from Iraq; maintaining adequate levels of
the California National Guard is different; State and local
governments have been left at risk.
Councilmember Daysog stated the key phrase in the resolution is ...
“to take immediate steps to establish a date and timetable to
withdraw U.S. troops”; he is not a military logistics planner; the
best he can do is to offer prayers for a safe and speedy return.
On the call for the question, the MOTION FAILED by the following
voice vote: Ayes: Vice Mayor Gilmore and Councilmember Matarrese –
2. Noes: Councilmember deHaan and Mayor Johnson – 2. Abstentions:
Councilmember Daysog – 1.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(06-086) Consideration of Mayor’s nomination for appointment to
the Planning Board.
Mayor Johnson nominated Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft for appointment to
the Planning Board.
(06-087) Councilmember deHaan stated that he attended the Catellus
workshop; approximately 40 people attended; concerns were expressed
regarding properly utilizing the waterfront; at least 1 million
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
13
square feet of retail space is planned; developers should be
advised of what the community wants and needs; the City does not
have to take whatever is being offered anymore; he is concerned
with the first-come-first-serve philosophy; stated he was one of
the strongest advocates in allowing South Shore to be developed to
full potential; he has problems with South Shore wanting more space
and all pieces of the pie.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether Catellus has made formal
applications to change entitlements.
The City Manager responded the City is in negotiations with
Catellus; stated Catellus is going through a public input process.
Councilmember Matarrese stated that Catellus was conducting the
public process.
Mayor Johnson stated the public should be aware that the Catellus
and Del Monte projects are not a done deal.
Councilmember Daysog suggested spending $20,000 to $25,000 on a
statistically valid survey of 900 residents to get a sample of the
City’s thoughts regarding retail needs.
(06-088) Councilmember Matarrese stated a portable “Cigarettes
Cheaper” sign has been placed in the landscaping off of the Park
Street Bridge before Blanding Avenue.
(06-089) Councilmember Matarrese stated an AC Transit Inter-Agency
Liaison Committee meeting was scheduled for tomorrow; he has
requested information regarding the Emery-go-Round in the past;
requested that the City Manager obtain information on the operating
costs, routes, etc. from the City of Emeryville if information is
not provided at the meeting tomorrow; a similar system could be a
good mitigation factor for congestion caused by development.
Mayor Johnson suggested obtaining information on the City of San
Leandro shuttle.
Councilmember Matarrese stated Emery-go-Round is fare box free and
is very effective.
Councilmember deHaan stated that the San Leandro shuttle is fare
box free also; transportation funds were used for the service.
Councilmember Matarrese noted information should be obtained on the
Humphrey-go-Bart shuttle services operated by the University of
California, Berkeley.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
14
(06-090) Vice Mayor Gilmore stated that residents living near
business districts have an issue with litter being left from fast
food restaurants; a resident sent her a link to a
newspaper article regarding Oakland imposing a mandated City
fee on business owners for trash pickup; stated she is
not suggesting imposing a similar fee but that Council should
review the strategy.
(06-091) Councilmember Daysog requested information on fire
inspection costs which he requested in the past.
The City Manager stated that she would provide Councilmember
Daysog with a copy of the fee structure.
(06-092) Councilmember deHaan stated that signs were posted
throughout the City to buy merchandise at a home on Valentine’s
Day; he feels that doing so is pushing the envelop to the extreme;
stated that Kentucky Fried Chicken near Park Avenue smells of well-
cooked oil; newly constructed restaurants have scrubbers for
ventilation; requested staff to review how the odor can be
remedied.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether the City could adopt an
ordinance requiring more filters.
Vice Mayor Gilmore suggesting reviewing whether another entity
regulates the issue.
(06-093) Mayor Johnson stated issues have been discussed at Youth
Collaborative meetings regarding the youth in the community;
suggested that the Council consider forming a Youth Advisory
Council or have youth representatives on to certain boards and
commissions; volunteer opportunities are available for students,
but paying job opportunities are scarce; the Golf Course had a
policy regarding not hiring students under eighteen years old in
the past; the policy has changed so that 16 year old students can
be hired; suggested that the matter be placed on a City Council
agenda.
(06-094) Mayor Johnson inquired whether anything was being done
regarding the fire cleanup at Central Avenue and Park Street.
The City Manager responded that the Planning Director was working
on regulatory remedies.
Mayor Johnson stated that blight has lasted for many years in
the downtown district.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
February 21, 2006
15
(06-095) Mayor Johnson stated that a Councilmember Reporting
section should be added to the agenda to allow Councilmembers to
report on conferences and meetings.
Councilmember deHaan stated that the section could be added under
Communications and could include the City Manager.
Mayor Johnson stated that other Department Heads should be included
also.
(06-096) Mayor Johnson stated that she recently attended the U.S.
Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C.; the Conference includes
cities with populations higher than 40,000; power, Base, and
Housing Authority issues are very impacted by federal statues and
policies; the federal government is trying to turn over franchising
telecommunications to the State rather than local governments;
stated that she is on the Economic Development and Housing
Subcommittee as well as Electric Power Subcommittee.
ADJOURNMENT
(06-097) There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned
the Regular Meeting at 10:52 p.m. in a moment of silence with
thoughts and prayers that all service members in Iraq are safe and
come home as soon as possible.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.