2019-05-16 Special CC MinutesSpecial Meeting
Alameda City Council
May 16, 2019 1
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY- -MAY 16, 2019- -6:30 P.M.
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:32 p.m. Vice Mayor Knox White led
the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Knox White, Oddie, Vella,
and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft – 5.
Absent: None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
AGENDA ITEM
(19-295) Budget Workshop for Fiscal Years 2019-20 and 2020-21 to Provide Direction
on Funding Requests.
Discussed the School Board’s request for mental health funding and what the District is
doing to address the issue: Jennifer Williams, School Board.
Discussed the School District’s mental health crisis, which is a community issue; urged
Council to provide support: Kirsten Zazo, Alameda Unified School District.
Urged Council to fund what is proposed in the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan,
which includes 18 projects in the first two years; listed projects; noted up to eight staff
are required to fully implement the Plan : Lauren Eisele, Community Action for a
Sustainable Alameda (CASA).
Discussed leadership being needed to address climate; stated responding to climate
change is a core service for Alameda; suggested an Assistant City Manager position be
added and dedicated to address climate: Ruth Abbe, CASA.
Urged Council not to cut the tree budget, which would mean no more street tree
planting; stated street trees already do not get enough maintenance : Christopher
Buckley, Alameda.
Discussed funding and staffing to implement the Climate Action Plan: Herb Behrstock,
CASA.
Submitted information; discussed the increase in emissions, importance of leadership
and mental health in schools: Sylvia Gibson, CASA.
Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
May 16, 2019
Expressed concern over cutting the tree maintenance budget ; discussed advantages of
having trees: Corrine Lambden, Alameda.
The Council discussed procedural matters.
In response to public comment, the City Manager made brief comments on the tree
budget.
The City Engineer reviewed the Power Point slides presented at end of the previous
night and responded to Council questions.
The Deputy Public Works Director responded to questions.
The Public Information Officer continued to track Council follow up requests and
throughout the workshop.
****
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess at 7:36 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 7:51
p.m.
***
The Planning, Building and Transportation Director continued the Power Point
presentation and responded to Council questions.
The City Manager responded to Council questions.
The Council discussed the School District funding request.
Ms. Williams and Ms. Zazo responded to questions regarding the request.
Councilmember Daysog made comments.
****
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess at 8:44 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:58
p.m.
***
Each of the Councilmembers and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft made additional comments
regarding the funding requests.
The City Manager provided a summary of the recommendations he would bring back.
Councilmembers Knox White, Oddie and Daysog made additional comments.
Special Meeting
Alameda City Council
May 16, 2019 3
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 9:48
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.