2018-05-15 CC CS Minutes
Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
May 15, 2018
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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY- -MAY 15, 2018- -5:00 P.M.
Mayor Spencer convened the meeting at 5:05 p.m.
Roll Call – Present: Councilmembers Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese, Oddie, Vella and
Mayor Spencer – 5.
Absent: None.
Public Comment
Stated the report showed the vast majority of the City Manager’s allegations were false;
Vice Mayor Vella was not found to have done anything wrong; disagreed with the
investigation which found Councilmember Oddie interfered with the Fire Chief hirin g
process; urged the Charter be amended to allow elected officials the freedom to
exercise their first amendment right to express opinions on important issues without fear
of reprisal: Dennis Popalardo.
Inquired whether the Councilmembers know their prior ities; expressed support for
dismissal of the employee; discussed the rent issue: Steve Schiesser, Alameda.
Encouraged negotiations continue with the City Manage r to reach a settlement; stated
the tape should be released: Karen Miller, Alameda.
Stated the difficult dynamic between the Council and the City Manager is unfortunate;
discussed working as a team for the progress of everyone in Alameda; stated the City
Council and leadership should behave as good examples; she stands in strong support
of Vice Mayor Vella and Councilmember Oddie: Cynthia Bonta, Alameda.
Stated that she is upset that the City Manager has betrayed the trust of the electorate
and the Council; elected officials have to remain silent under fire ; she is proud the
Council declared Alameda a Sanctuary City; the City Manager should not continue in
Alameda: Catherine Pauling, Alameda.
Stated supporting Jill Keimach as the City Manager is to stand with a City Hall that is
run on a professional basis; political influence should not determine hiring of key
positions; the Charter provision did not occur in a vacuum and occurred when there was
a crisis; the taping is understandable: Former Councilmember Tony Daysog, Alameda.
Expressed concern over potential litigation; encouraged Council to negotiate and
mediate the issue and get the issue behind the City: William Norton, Alameda.
Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
May 15, 2018
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Expressed his support for Vice Mayor Vella and Councilmember Oddie standing up for
what they believe in: Doyle Saylor, Alameda.
Stated that she supports mediation an d releasing the tape: Catherine Bierwith,
Alameda.
Expressed support for Councilmembers Vella and Oddie; outlined their
accomplishments: Laura Woodard, Alameda Renters Coalition.
Stated that he finds the City Manager’s actions unacceptable, specifically the recording
of a private meeting; urged the City to find new leadership: David Mitchell, Alameda.
Discussed the rent issue; stated Councilmembers stood up for housing rights;
expressed support for Vice Mayor Vella and Councilmember Oddie; stated the City
Manager needs to be removed from her position: Lester Dixon, Alameda.
Mayor Spencer announced the City Manager has not requested a public session and
has waived her right to a public session.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session to consider:
(18-270) Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Government Code section
54956.8); Property: Northwest Territories, Alameda Point; City Negotiators: Elizabeth D.
Warmerdam, Acting City Manager and Jennifer Ott, Director of Base Reuse &
Transportation Planning; Potential Tenant: East Bay Regional Park District; Issue Under
Negotiation: Real Property Negotiations Price and Terms of Payment . Not heard.
(18-271) Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation; Significant exposure to
litigation pursuant to subdivisions (d)(2) and (e) (1) of Government Code Section
54956.9; Number of cases: One (As Defendant - City Exposure to Legal Action). Not
heard.
(18-272) Public Employee Performance Evaluation; Public Employee
Dismissal/Release; Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957;
Employee/Position: Jill Keimach, City Manager
(18-273) Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation; Significant exposure to
litigation pursuant to subdivisions (d)(2) and e(2) of California Government Code
Section 54956.9 relating to the allegations made in City Manager Jill Keimach’s October
2, 2017 letter; Number of cases: Three (As Defendant - City Exposure to Legal Action).
Not heard.
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Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
May 15, 2018
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Mayor Spencer called a recess at 6:21 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 6:31 p.m.
and called a recess at 6:40 p.m. and reconvened at 6:53 p.m.
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Following the Closed Session, the meeting was reconvened and the City Clerk
announced a settlement agreement was approved by the following voice vote: Ayes:
Councilmembers Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese and Oddie – 3. Noes: Vice Mayor Vella and
Mayor Spencer – 2; Mayor Spencer read a joint statement.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Spencer adjourned the meeting at 6:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.