2016-03-01 Regular CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -MARCH 1, 2016- -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Spencer convened the meeting at 7:10 p.m. Youths from the Boys and Girls led
the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese,
Oddie and Mayor Spencer – 5.
Absent: None.
AGENDA CHANGES
(16-089) Mayor Spencer announced that the wetlands mitigation bank [paragraph no.
16-112] would be continued to March 15, 2016.
PROCLAMATIONS, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(16-090) Mayor Spencer did a reading on the Season for Non-violence daily word:
praise.
(16-091) The Interim Assistant City Manager introduced the new Information
Technology Director, Carolyn Hogg.
(16-092) Proclamation Declaring March 2016 as American Red Cross Month.
Mayor Spencer read the Proclamation and presented it to Jack McCredie and Public
Works staff member Laurie Kozisek.
Mr. McCredie and Ms. Kozisek made brief comments.
(16-093) Proclamation Declaring March 7 through 12, 2016 March as Boys and Girls
Club Week.
Mayor Spencer read the Proclamation and presented it to Mar c Morales and members
of the Boys and Girls Club.
Mr. Morales made brief comments.
(16-094) Proclamation acknowledging and thanking Interim City Manager Elizabeth
Warmerdam for her service.
Mayor Spencer read the Proclamation and presented it to Ms. Warmerdam.
Ms. Warmerdam made brief comments.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
The Councilmembers made brief comments.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(16-095) Former Councilmember Barbara Thomas, Alameda, thanked the Council for
the long hours; suggested that the Mayor and Council salaries be increased and each
have part time staff members.
(16-096) April Squires, Alameda, expressed concern over late Council meetings not
being accessible to seniors and Americans with Disability Act.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Spencer announced that the three items regarding the Jean Sweeney Park
[paragraph nos. 16-102, 16-103, and 16-104] were removed from the Consent Calendar
for discussion.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of the remainder of the Consent
Calendar.
Vice Mayor Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote –
5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph
number.] [Note: The motion was prior to Oral Communication.]
(*16-097) Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings Held on February
2, 2016. Approved.
(*16-098) Ratified bills in the amount of $3,672,205.66.
(*16-099) Recommendation to Accept the Quarterly Sales Tax Report for the Period
Ending December 31, 2015 Collected During the Period July 1, 2015 to September 30,
2015. Accepted.
(*16-100) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Amend an Agreement with
Moffatt and Nichol to Add the Amount of $100,035 for a Total Contract Amount of
$170,035 for Marine Engineering and Design Consulting Services for the Proposed
Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal at Alameda Point and Amend the Base Reuse Fund
Revenue and Expenditures Budget by Increasing Each by $100 ,035. Accepted.
(*16-101) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Purchase Playground
Equipment and Safety Surfacing from NSP3/Playworld Systems Inc. for Godfrey Park in
an Amount Not To Exceed $270,000. Accepted.
(16-102) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Consultant
Agreement with SLR International Corporation to Provide Site Investigation and
Environmental Report Services for the Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, Including
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
Contingency, for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $363,610 and to Amend Project
Revenue and Expenditures Budget by $170,610.
The Placeworks agreement and Alameda Food Bank Memorandum of Understanding
[paragraph nos. 16-103 and 16-104] were addressed with the SLR agreement.
Thanked the Council and Interim Assistant City Manager for supporting the project:
Dorothy Freeman, Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Fund.
Expressed support for signing the agreements and MOU with Alameda Food Bank;
urged approval of agreements: Jim Sweeney, Alameda.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of the three agreements.
Vice Mayor Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice – 5.
(16-103) Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Consultant
Agreement with Placeworks Landscape Architects to Provide Design Services for Jean
Sweeney Open Space Park, in an Amount Not to Exceed $665,828 and to Amend
Project Revenue and Expenditures Budget by $465,828 from Development Impact Fees
- Recreation and Parks.
Note: The matter was addressed under the SLR Agreement [paragraph no. 16-102].
(16-104) Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Alameda Food Bank for Its Facility Expansion
Planning on a Portion of the Jean Sweeney Open Space Park.
Note: The matter was addressed under the SLR Agreement [paragraph no. 16-102].
(*16-105) Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute a License
Agreement with the Alameda Unified School District for a Fire Safety Access Route
Through Otis Elementary School to Krusi Park. Accepted.
(*16-106) Resolution No. 15128, “Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Accept an
Easement from the Alameda Unified School District for a Portion of the Encinal Boat
Launch Facility.” Adopted.
(*16-107) Resolution No. 15129, “Authorizing Execution of the State Standard
Agreement for the Housing Related Parks Grant from the State Department of Housing
and Community Development for Estuary Park Athletic Fields.” Adopted.
(*16-108) Resolution No. 15130, “Consenting to Leasehold Mortgage for Property
Located at 2900-3000 Main Street and Leased to Bay Ship and Yacht Company and
Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute the Consent to Leasehold Mortgage and
Related Documents.” Adopted.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
(16-109) Resolution No. 15131, “Approving a 15-Year Concession Agreement, with a
10-Year Renewal Option, with Dialemi, Inc. (known as Jim’s on the Course), for the
Provision of Food and Beverage Service at the Chuck Corica Golf Complex.” Adopted.
The Interim Assistant City Manager gave a Power Point presentation.
In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft’s inquiry, Tom Geanekos, owner of Jim’s
on the Course, stated MLD Design prepared the renderings.
In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft’s inqu iry, the Interim Assistant City
Manager stated the design is still in the concept stage and has not gone before the
Planning Board for design review; the agreement requires the detail design of the
enclosed patio be approved by the Golf Commission as well as the Planning Board.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how serving dinner would be a requirement if it
is not in the concession agreement.
The Interim Assistant City Manager responded dinner could be added to the agreement
as a requirement; stated breakfast and lunch are the minimum requirement; the
intention for dinner is to serve tournaments.
Mr. Geanekos stated the operating hours for Jim’s on the Course over the last 10 years
have been consistent; from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the kitchen, and to about 11:00
p.m. in the bar; dinner has always been served although not stated in the agreement;
the types of dinner served has been limited due to the kitchen facility; the larger kitchen
space allows for more dinners.
In response to Vice Mayor Matarrese inquiry, the Assistant City Attorney stated the
concession agreement differs from a lease agreement in several legally significant
respects: a concession agreement does not grant any interest in the property; a lease
grants a leasehold interest in the property which can then be used to secure mortgages;
the concession agreement grants the right to operate a food and beverage facility only
and does not have the same obligations as a lease agreement, such as paying rent or
possessory interest tax; there are limitations to use the property in any way to finance
improvements.
Vice Mayor Matarrese inquired whether there has been a value assigned to the
maintenance and repair cost.
The Interim Assistant City Manager responded t he City has not put any repair in the
building since Jim’s on the Course has been there; there is no specific dollar amount
assigned for repairs; the building is 40 to 50 years old; the roof and HVAC will be in
need of repair in the next three to five years.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
Vice Mayor Matarrese inquired whether the liability of repair has shifted from the City to
the concessionaire by the agreement, to which the Interim Assistant City Manager
responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Oddie inquired which body has the authority to give staff direction to
negotiate price and terms, to which the Assistant City Attorney responded the Council
has the authority.
In response to Councilmember Oddie’s inquiry, the Interim Assistant City Manager
stated Council gave direction in Closed Session.
In response to Councilmember Daysog’s inquiry, the Interim Assistant City Manager
stated the standard revenue is $5.00 per round for food and beverages at a golf course ;
100,000 rounds at $500,000 is a good baseline for a golf course.
In response to Councilmember Daysog’s inquiry, the Interim Assistant City Manager
stated the revenue is $1.235 million; she does not have the exact number of rounds for
the fiscal year.
Submitted a letter; urged approval of the agreement: Peter Fletcher, Alameda
Stated that he supports Mr. Geanakos and Jim’s on the Course; urged Council to follow
the Golf Commission recommendation; requested more time for a work session to
address and clarify issues before Council approves the agreement: Ken Campbell,
Greenway Golf.
Stated everyone is in favor of maintaining the relationship with Jim’s on the Course;
requested more time to work out details: Beverly Blatt, Golf Commission.
Stated that she would like to have a first class banquet facility at the golf course; urged
Council not to rush approval and to work out details: Pam Curtis, Alameda.
Stated the golf course should have a fantastic restaurant facility to match the
outstanding golf course; that she supports the Golf Commission recommendation to
extend the current lease for six months: Jane Sullwold, Alameda.
Urged Council to follow Golf Commission recommendation and allow public input
regarding the agreement: Joe Van Winkle, Alameda.
Stated that she supports the agreement: Kathleen Solmssen, Alameda.
Stated that he supports the agreem ent and urged Council to move forward: Peter
Solmssen, Alameda.
Provided a history of the Chuck Corica Golf Course and the success of Jim’s on the
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
Course: Norma Arnerich, Alameda.
Provided a brief history of the Golf Commission at the golf course; stated that he
supports Jim’s on the Course: Former Councilmember Lil Arnerich, Alameda.
Stated the terms of the concession agreement are very detailed; Mr. Geanekos would
be happy to clarify any issues: Richard Waxman, Dialemi, Inc.
Urged Council to support the agreement: George Efstathiou, Alameda.
Urged Council to work out details quickly and move forward: Former Councilmember
Doug deHaan, Alameda.
Thanked all the speakers; stated the measure of success is longevity, which is a
testament to his family business; he would like to remain part of the community and
urged Council to approve his agreement: Tom Geanekos, Jim’s on the Course.
Urged Council to follow the Golf Commission recommendation : Cheryl Saxton, Golf
Commission.
Councilmember Oddie stated Jim’s on the Course concessionaire has been the longest
throughout Alameda’s history; Jim’s is the kind of partner Alameda should have in the
community; that he acknowledges the Golf Commission recommendation, but Mr.
Geanekos and Greenway can still negotiate even after Council approves the
agreement; he trusts there is a willingness to work things out; he would like to give Jim’s
certainty and he supports the agreement.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the lease is 25 years which should not be taken
lightly; the Golf Commission recommendation is reasonable and Council should allow
the six months to proceed with deliberation; that she supports the Golf Commission
recommendation.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he has listened to various sides of the issue; he is
confident in staff’s ability to analyze the issue and provide a recommendation which he
supports; he would like to move forward.
Vice Mayor Matarrese requested the proforma information be attached to the contract;
stated monitoring the proforma is important; he would also like to keep a timeframe; it
makes sense to move forward with the contract from the business standpoint so that
improvements of the restaurant could coincide reasonably with the improvements of the
golf course; he does not think the City needs to have a negotiation with Greenway Golf
and Jim’s on the Course, but expects them to work with the Golf Commission; he does
not want the contract to be on hold to wait for peripherals; the timing of moving forward
now is important; inquired whether it is possible to have a separate contract between
the City and Jim’s on the Course to address other issues beyond the current contract.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
The Assistant City Attorney responded in the affirmative; stated if there are issues that
need to be further addressed beyond the concession agreement, the issues could come
back to the Council as an amendment to the agreement, or be the subject of a new
agreement.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the talking-point list would be the
subject of the agreement amendment, to which Vice Mayor Matarrese responded in the
negative; stated it is unknown what will come out of the Golf Commission discussion; it
is theoretical.
Mayor Spencer stated Council values the work of the Commissioners; that she has
heard unanimously that Jim’s should stay on the golf course; the concerns by the
Commission do not outweigh the importance of the City supporting Jim’s to be
successful; she is confident the agreement would work out successfully for the City;
Jim’s does not only serve people who golf; Jim’s is successful because the community
supports it; she would like to move forward with the agreement.
Vice Mayor Matarrese moved adoption of the resolution with the proforma information
formally summarized and attached to the agreement; and periodic reports that coincide
with the milestones be provided to Council from Jim’s and Greenway through the Golf
Commission.
Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Matarrese, Oddie and Mayor Spencer – 4. Noes:
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft – 1.
***
Mayor Spencer called a recess at 9:17 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:21 p.m.
***
(16-110) Response to City Council Referral Regarding Reactivating the Airport
Operations Committee to Address Impacts from the Federal Aviation Administration’s
(FAA) NextGen Program by Authorizing the Mayor to Send a Letter to Representative
Barbara Lee; Reactivating the Ad-hoc Airport Operations Committee to Oversee
NextGen Issues; and Adding NextGen to the City’s 2016 Legislative Program.
The Interim Assistant City Manager gave a brief presentation.
Councilmember Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Mayor Spencer stated taking the next steps on the issue is important
and makes it easy for the legislative representatives to argue on Alameda’s behalf .
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote – 5.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
(16-111) Receive Report on Results from a City of Alameda Survey Conducted in
December 2015 and Provide Direction on a November 2016 Ballot Measure.
Curtis Below, Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz and Associates, and the Interim City
Manager gave a Power Point presentation.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired who will be doing the door to door residential
contact, to which the Interim City Manager responded it is to be determined; stated staff
would be working on education material.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he would like more information as to the nature of
the problem; Alameda’s expenses go beyond the revenues collected through normal tax
collections; working with a deficit means changing the economy; he understands that
some amount of what would be collected is already constrained.
Vice Mayor Matarrese stated that he agrees with assessment of sales taxes; direction
should be given to pursue legislation; the Utility Users Tax (UUT) is antiquated and
should be brought up to current utility use.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she supports staff's recommendations.
Councilmember Oddie stated that he supports staff’s recommendations; needing a 2/3
vote is a struggle; he would like the lobbyists to understand Alameda’s priorities.
Mayor Spencer stated that she supports staff’s recommendations; inquired what
percentage of Alamedans do not have a landline.
Donald Maynard, Contract Attorney, responded about half of Alameda homes do not
have a landline; stated the problem with Alameda’s ordinance is that there are no
definitions which invites companies to interpret the ordinance in different ways; most of
the money is missing because of the way wireless companies interpret the ordinance;
about 90% of cities in California have voter-approved, modern UUT ordinances;
Alameda is catching up to modern ordinances.
In response to Mayor Spencer’s inquiry, the Interim City Manager stated the UUT is a
revenue measure that continues to decline; the tax falls under the fiscal sustainability
category.
Mayor Spencer stated that she thinks the community is supportive of the parks; the
concern is not about the parks but about an additional parcel tax.
Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the UUT is part of the Balanced Revenue
Index (BRI) formula, to which the Interim City Manager responded in the affirmative.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
Mayor Spencer clarified that Council is only being asked to approve the issues to be
brought back; Council is not voting on whether or not to put the issues on the ballot.
The Interim City Manager stated staff will bring the actual language back to Council, and
the Council will be asked to formally vote to place the items on the November Ballot.
Vice Mayor Matarrese moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion, which carried by the following
voice vote: Ayes: Councilmembers, Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese , Oddie and Mayor
Spencer – 4. Abstention: Councilmember Daysog – 1.
(16-112) Response to City Council Referral Regarding a Possible Wetlands Mitigation
Bank at Alameda Point. Continued to March 15, 2016.
(16-113) Summary title: Consider: 1) an Ordinance regarding Rent Review, Rent
Stabilization and Limitations on Evictions, Amending the Duties of the Rent Review
Advisory Committee (RRAC), and Suspending the Current Article XIV of Chapter VI
regarding Rent Review; 2) Determining that Adoption of the Ordinance is not a Project
Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or, if It is a Project, the
Ordinance is Exempt from CEQA; and 3) an Urgency Ordinance Extending a
Temporary (Additional 22 Days) Moratorium on Rent Increases for Certain Residential
Rental Properties and on Evictions from all Residential Rental Properties Except for
Just Cause.
Ordinance No. 3148, “Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by (A) Adding Article XV
to Chapter VI Concerning Review of Rent Increases Applicable to All Rental Units and
Rent Stabilization Applicable to Certain Rental Units and Concerning Limitations on
Evictions and the Payment of Relocation Assistance Applicable to All Rental Units, (B)
Amending Section 2-23.4 Concerning the Duties of the Rent Review Advisory
Committee, and (C) Suspending Article XIV of Chapter VI in Its Entirety; and
Determining that Adoption of the Ordinance is not a Project under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or, if It is a Project, the Ordinance is Exempt under
CEQA.” Finally passed; and
(16-113A) Public Hearing to Consider Urgency Ordinance No. 3149, “Extending within
the City of Alameda a Temporary (an Additional 22 Days) Moratorium on Rent
Increases for Certain Residential Rental Properties and on Evictions from all Residential
Rental Properties Except for Just Cause.” Adopted.
The Community Development Director gave a brief presentation.
Stated that she does not believe the ordinance complies with CEQA: Former
Councilmember Barbara Thomas, Alameda.
***
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
(16-114) Mayor Spencer stated a motion is needed to consider the remaining item: the
referral on mixed use zoning. [paragraph no. 16- 117]
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of considering the item.
Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice
vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese and Mayor Spencer –
4. Noes: Councilmember Oddie – 1.
***
Submitted information; stated that he is concerned about the RRAC structure as
proposed; a little bit of clarity could avoid conflict: John Sullivan, Alameda.
Stated the plan has technical concerns that need to be addressed; Alameda is facing a
housing crisis; urged Council to help alleviate housing stress for Alameda families:
Phillip James, Alameda.
Expressed concern over the operating cost of the ordinance; stated the fee study should
estimate a lower amount and decrease the bureaucracy: Rosalinda Fortuna, Alameda.
Stated the purpose of government is to provide justice; Council should listen to voters
and take steps to ensure everyone stays honest: Malia Vella, Alameda.
Councilmember Daysog stated that he appreciated Mr. Sullivan's handout; some of Mr.
Sullivan’s suggestions would work to stymie the increased rents; adopting some ideas
would show that Council is trying to do the best for the small mom and pop landlords;
having agencies like ECHO Housing evaluate renter’s habitability claims is a good
suggestion; he also likes the idea of the relocation assistance benefit being paid to the
next landlord; he would like to exempt owners of up to two residential units in relocation
assistance for family move-in.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is intrigued by Mr. Sullivan's suggestions,
but would like to pass the ordinance in the form of the first reading; she would like to
give the ordinance a chance; the current Council could make a change before the year
is up; all tenants should be protected; different classes of tenants should not be created;
fairness should also extend to all landlords.
Councilmember Oddie stated there are some mom and pop landlords that are not
behaving properly; he supports the ordinance as written; things could be improved; if
data shows the ordinance needs to be tweaked, Council could have a discussion; there
will not be hostility between landlords and tenants, it is up to each party; landlords who
behave properly will not be subject to any of the provisions of the ordinance ;
encouraged all parties to have positive human relations; stated if everyone treats others
fairly, additional regulations would not be needed.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
Vice Mayor Matarrese stated that he feels strongly about the mediation process; the
ordinance is going down the wrong path; there are some good points; Council could
monitor and change anything, but in the core, mediation has been successful.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated it is difficult to place value on the statistics; the
amount of people who were too intimidated to use a process that had no teeth cannot
be measured; Council has now given some teeth to the mediation process; she would
like the ordinance to go forward.
In response to Mayor Spencer’s inquiry regarding CEQA compliance, the Assistant City
Attorney stated the passing of the ordinance is exempt from CEQA and the City
Attorney stands behind the determination.
The Assistant City Attorney stated the Housing Element does address the issue clearly;
the ordinance does not have any direct impact on any physical or environmental
situations; the ordinance deals with rent and has no environmental concerns, is not a
project, and is exempt under CEQA.
In response to Mayor Spencer’s inquiry, the Assistant City Attorney stated Government
Code Section 1090 is not applicable to the action Council is taking tonight.
***
(16-115) Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of continuing the meeting past
11:00 p.m.
Vice Mayor Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote –
5.
***
Mayor Spencer stated that she plans to support the ordinance as is; thanked Council for
exercising best judgement to meet the needs of the community; stated the ordinance is
a balanced, measured approach, which Council still has the ability to revise.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft moved final passage of the ordinance amending the
Alameda Municipal Code by (A) adding Article XV to Chapter VI concerning review of
rent increases applicable to all rental units and rent stabilization applicable to certain
rental units and concerning limitations on evictions and the payment of relocation
assistance applicable to all rental units, (B) amending Section 2 -23.4 concerning the
duties of the Rent Review Advisory Committee, and (C) suspending Article XIV of
Chapter VI in its entirety; and determining that adoptio n of the Ordinance is not a project
under CEQA or, if It is a Project, the Ordinance is exempt under CEQA.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
Councilmember Daysog amended the motion to exempt owners of up to two residential
units, and only two units, in Alameda, f rom the requirement to pay relocation assistance
in the specific instance of family move-in.
The proposed amendment to the ordinance failed due to a lack of second.
Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Oddie and Mayor Spencer – 4. Noes:
Councilmember Matarrese – 1.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft moved adoption of the urgency ordinance extending
within the City of Alameda a temporary (an additional 22 days) moratorium on rent
increases for certain residential rental properties and on evictions from all residential
rental properties except for just cause.
Vice Mayor Matarrese seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Councilmember Oddie inquired how could Council ensure the
moratorium covers the period in the event the ordinance is suspended due to a
referendum.
The Community Development Director responded another urgency ordinance extending
the time frame could be brought back.
In response to Councilmember Oddie’s inquiry, the Community Develo pment Director
stated a special meeting to consider an urgency ordinance could be scheduled if
necessary.
The Assistant City Attorney stated if an effort of a referendum is under way, an urgency
ordinance would be brought back right away to avoid a gap.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote – 5.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
(16-116) Catherine Pauling, Alameda Renters Coalition, stated that she is concerned
the City is under-collecting the fees from rental property businesses.
COUNCIL REFERRALS
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
(16-117) Consider Directing the City Manager to Revise the Mix-Use Zoning
Designation and Related Policies to Aid Retention of Beneficial Commercial Uses
Citywide. (Vice Mayor Matarrese)
Vice Mayor Matarrese made brief comments on his referral.
Read a letter from Mr. DeLap, former harbor master, opposing the Bay West
development of high density housing; stated the State gives high priority to preserving
recreational and boating use of the shoreline: Peter Brand, Alameda.
Expressed support of Alameda Marina s and marine services: Joseph Woodard,
Alameda.
Provided a petition of Barnhill Marina neighbors; urged support of maintaining marina
services: Bill Cox, Alameda.
Urged support of Alameda’s coast; stated the waterways are an asset: George Lythcott,
Alameda.
Stated that he is concerned about the long term outlook of the boat ing community;
urged support of maintaining Alameda’s maritime community: Grant Hayes, Alameda.
Showed a map; expressed support of maritime services; proposed expansion of the
area to retail and recreation: Nancy Hird, Alameda.
Expressed support of the marinas and services: Paul Mueller, Alameda.
Stated Alameda’s northern waterfront could have other opportunities and bring in larger
boats if dredged; urged Council to maintain the waterfront for deep water boating uses:
Andy McKinley, Alameda.
Stated that he opposes the residential development at Clement Street: Dan Goldfield,
Alameda Aikikai.
Expressed concern about loss of resources at Alameda Marina ; stated that she is
opposed to development: Maggie Sabovich, Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association.
Stated that she opposes the referral if it seeks to change the multi-family overlay zone:
Lynette Lee, Renewed Hope.
Stated his children benefit from the Aikido dojo; he does not want more development in
the Clement Street area: Matt Langwerowski, Alameda.
Stated the light industry maritime businesses bolsters the Alameda economy as it is
active worldwide; urged preservation of the marina and businesses: Liz Taylor,
Alameda.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
Expressed support of jobs, not condos; urged council to consider Vice Mayor
Matarrese’s referral: Amy Rose, Alameda.
Expressed support of the Alameda Marina; stated that he has experienced excellent
service from Svendsen's Marine; he recognizes the value of Alameda’s unique
waterfront asset and opposes condominium development: Peter Butler, Alameda.
Stated it is important the waterfront continues its tradition of providing a reference point
for the maritime industry: Dwight Durant, Club Nautique.
Urged Council to maintain Alameda’s maritime infrastructure: Irma Marin-Nolan,
Alameda.
Stated the Marina is an underutilized asset; urged Council to support the referral : Andy
McKee, Alameda.
Stated that he is concerned about the loss of the shoreline access and historic use; light
industrial jobs cannot be replaced by retail jobs: David Herrigel, Alameda.
Expressed support of maintaining the Alameda Marina and boating community;
provided a brief history of the marina: Tom Charron, Alameda.
Showed a map; urged Council to preserve Alameda Marina which is valuable piece of
property: Gretchen Lipow, Alameda.
Stated that she teaches women and blind women sailboating; expressed support of
preserving the marina: Dawn Chesney, Alameda.
The Interim City Manager stated the Council and staff will be taking a tour of the
waterfront on March 11th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; the referral gives the opportunity
for Council to direct staff; a report would come back in April to discuss the tour and ask
for direction from Council regarding Alameda Marina and the MX Zoning.
Vice Mayor Matarrese stated his intent is to frame the discussion; the zoning details and
guidance have flexibility built in; he would like to define the zoning goals, particularly in
the northern waterfront and existing commercial activity that can be grown; he would
like to include other MX zoning that may happen which is not in place now.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated nothing is simple but Council always strives to
achieve balance; preserving the maritime business is first and foremost; existing
maritime businesses could help bring other businesses to Alameda; there is a cost to
renovating infrastructure; some funding comes from developers, which means the
possibility of smart mixed-use; she would like to ensure preservation of the maritime
industry, but would also like to review the need for infrastructure improvements and
housing; a carefully planned improvement could create a vibrant, functioning, well-
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
maintained space; requested that staff incorporate concerns when the report returns to
Council.
Councilmember Oddie stated that he is fine with the Interim City Manager’s
recommendations on how to proceed with the referral; he is conce rned about a
formulaic approach to mixed-zoning; another approach could be similar to what was
done at Packet Landing/Harbor Bay Club; he agrees that the maritime jobs should be
preserved; any plan or developer should keep the jobs a priority; he hopes people will
be flexible and open to creative solutions to fully utilizing the intent of MX zoning.
Councilmember Daysog stated the industry cluster at the marina is intimately tied to the
area; he looks forward to the discussion; he would like to maintain t he jobs and industry
that reflect the character and history of Alameda; Council should be actively engaged in
preserving the maritime traditions, jobs, and connections with residents and businesses.
The Interim City Manager stated staff is considering a p rocess similar to the one
regarding the Harbor Bay Club as a preliminary step.
Mayor Spencer stated the referral speaks to the consideration of mixed use throughout
the entire City, not just the Northern W aterfront site; inquired whether staff’s response
would be in regard to Citywide, or two-fold.
The Interim City Manager stated the tour will be on the entire Northern Waterfront; there
is a sense of urgency at Alameda Marina; conversations about other MX zoned areas
could be included, including Alameda Landing; North Housing does not have MX
zoning.
In response to Mayor Spencer’s inquiry, the Interim City Manager stated there are no
projects pending at the Alameda Marina.
Mayor Spencer stated that she would be agreeable to reviewing the mixed-use zoning
Citywide, which could be done at any time; she has concerns about starting a
preliminary process without a project pending; she would like more information on the
current options regarding what needs to be included in mixed-use, such as percentage
of housing.
The Interim City Manager stated a discussion about the issues cannot be done now, but
could be brought back.
Mayor Spencer stated that she would like to include the current zoning options staff is
considering when the issue comes back.
Vice Mayor Matarrese concurred with Mayor Spencer; stated reviewing and
understanding current rules is essential to future considerations; his intent for the
exercise is to find out whether what the City has is sufficient; he would like to get the
exercise going and hopes for support from the Council.
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
Mayor Spencer inquired whether staff could review whether some or all of the buildings
are eligible for registration with the National Register of Historic Places, to which the
Interim City Manager responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the Packet Landing process was useful for the
developer to have a sense of where the Council stood; there is no point of going down a
road knowing there would not be approval; she would defer to the Attorneys regarding
any legalities.
Councilmember Daysog stated the review of mixed-used zoning in general is an
important discussion for Alameda citizens to have; a discussion about the waterfront
site is on the minds currently; the type of mixed-use for the area has been housing
oriented.
Councilmember Oddie stated that he has concerns about the marina but would like to
move forward with a workshop which would include an explanation of the current
zoning.
Vice Mayor Matarrese moved approval of directing staff to return with a report in April to
include the concerns brought up by the Council.
Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote -
5.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
(16-118) Councilmember Oddie requested the Clerk to correct the minutes to reflect the
votes on AB 210 as 46 instead of 43.
(16-119) Councilmember Daysog announced that he attended the East Bay League of
California Cities Division Meeting on February 25th.
(16-120) Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft announced that she attended an Alameda
County Industries (ACI) celebration of the one year anniversary of the recycling workers
contract.
(16-121) Councilmember Oddie announced that he was honored to judge the young
kids history presentation at Bay Farm School.
(16-122) Mayor Spencer announced she also attended the National History Day event
at Bay Farm School.
(16-123) Consideration of Mayor’s Nominations to the Commission on Disability Issues
(CDI), the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners (HABOC) and the Rent Review
Advisory Committee (RRAC).
Regular Meeting
Alameda City Council
March 1, 2016
Mayor Spencer nominated Michaela Tsztoo for appointment to the CDI; Arthur Kurrasch
for reappointment to the HABOC and Tina Landess Petrich and Robert Schrader for
appointment to the RRAC.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Spencer adjourned the meeting at 12:44 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.